Akhaya

Named for a Burmese word meaning “Main,” Akhaya provides support, policy advocacy, capacity-building and legal representation on behalf of women victims of domestic and sexual violence in Myanmar. Established in 2008, the organization’s activities significantly elevated after 2011. The mission of the group is to serve victims of domestic violence across all regions. In addition to providing immediate support for victims of sexual violence as well as legal representation, the group provides livelihood training for victims, including through training in handicrafts or job counseling. Akhaya also engages in outreach to businesses that can assist with garnering public support and raising funds, including through handicraft sales). Akhaya employs around six people, including counselors, trainers, and administrative help. For the purposes of sharing information and referring women to services, Akhaya has relationships with other organizations with similar interests in supporting poor women or victims of sexual abuse. These include the Islamic Women’s Foundation; the Chin Indigenous group; Women Living with AIDs; and others. Akhaya offers its training resources to other groups, such as to apprentices employed by the Yangon Bakehouse, which itself has a life-skills training program for apprentices. Akhaya promotes its activities through word of mouth and communications over the internet.