Starting Point
Previously, Ms. Su Nwe Aung worked as an announcer at Mizzima News Agency. In 2012, she started working as a media officer at the Myanmar Peace Centre (MPC). She transferred to the programme department and later participated as a protocol officer in the peace process. The centre where she worked also provided technical support during the peace talks. In doing her duty, she admires and looks up to all the women actively and passionately leading the way in peace processes.
Peace Journey
As a protocol officer, she was responsible for communicating with stakeholders and providing support during every discussion throughout the peace process. She handled relations between the Government and EAOs. She meticulously coordinated all the details necessary to organise discussions between ethnic groups and the military. She was also responsible for drafting protocols to ensure the negotiations proceeded smoothly and efficiently.
Moreover, she was one of the few staff members who participated in the discussions from the beginning to the signing of the NCA. She remembered that the NCA was signed at the MPC and it has taken over 1,400 days of discussions, including more than 5,000 informal talks both domestically and internationally. Those informal discussions are crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of each other’s aspirations. Conflicts can only be resolved ultimately through informal discussions at the negotiating table. However, accommodating the interests of the various groups involved in the conflict is a challenging task. In facing that challenge, she suggests that it is essential to establish communication channels to allow both sides to engage in dialogue. Then, informal discussions need to be organised to facilitate open conversations and mutual understanding.
Success Stories
The signing of the NCA was a significant achievement for the nation during that period. She was proud to be a part of it. One lesson she has learned is that every discussion and negotiation should include smaller groups to avoid consequential conflicts later on.
Moreover, as she reflects on her role, she is aware that the MPC focuses on peace with no specific programmes for women. Nevertheless, various domestic organisations work on women's issues, addressing a broad range of concerns. Personally speaking, as a single mother, she faced numerous challenges, particularly in balancing her work and personal life. She recalled that attending numerous discussions was stressful, and work trips often took her away from her child for extended periods. There were also security concerns in several conflict areas that prevented her from visiting.
In her view, women should be included across various sectors in the peace process. However, women's participation remains limited, as they often assume that men primarily conduct peace negotiations. She argued that including more women would enable better addressing of issues concerning women and children. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure representation for women from opposing parties.