About
Rural communities in Myanmar face many barriers to claiming their rights and accessing basic services and entitlements. With the support of the Planet Wheeler Foundation, ActionAid Australia partnered with ActionAid Myanmar, to support 60 communities to become more resilient. They worked collaboratively to develop young leaders who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to claim their rights, entitlements and access to services. The project was run through village organisations that assisted project participants to identify their rights and respond collectively to the needs of their communities. Community members then had increased ability to negotiate with state and non-state actors to secure those needs.
Impact
The project engaged 60 villages from both Chin and Kayin States. Each village implemented their own Village Development Plan, and started initiatives to strengthen people’s access to health, education and income opportunities. The Kayin government also committed to, and started practicing, a process of working with communities to make sure their needs are addressed in government services.
Project Summary: Empowering Communities in Myanmar