Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation (MWAF)

A government-established NGO, MWAF formed in 2003 as a federation of women’s organizations located throughout the economy – including organizations at the state, district, township, and ward/village levels. The MWAF’s mission today is to promote the welfare and advancement of women with the aim to enable them to “participate fully” in Myanmar’s national development. The objectives of MWAF are as follows: (1) to enhance the role of women in the reconstruction of a peaceful, modern and developed nation; (2) to protect the rights of women; (3) to ensure better economy, health, education and general welfare of women and to take measures for their life security; (4) to instill and foster in women a greater appreciation of their cultural heritage, traditions and customs; (5) to systematically protect women from violence and provide means for rehabilitation where necessary; (6) to diminish and finally eliminate trafficking in women and children as a national task; (7) to collaborate with international as well as local organizations, in ensuring the rights of women in accordance with the local traditions and customs. MWAF has conducted workshops and training activities on issues of human trafficking since 2006.