POLICY BRIEF: “Recognizing and Promoting KWO and Women’s Decision-making in KNU’s 2025 Transition to Government”

Publication date: March 2025

Publication: University of Copenhagen; Chulalongkorn University; Karen Environment and Social Action Network (KESAN); and Karen Women’s Organization (KWO)

Authors: Naw Pe The Law and Sofie Mortensen

Download the policy brief in English, Burmese and Karen.

This policy brief highlights key contributions of the Karen Women’s Organization (KWO) in supporting the Karen National Union’s (KNU) internal and external legitimacy, including on: public service delivery, capacity strengthening and promotion of gender-equal institutions. It identifies key challenges and makes recommendations to the KNU and KWO, namely: Lack of an official women’s voice and invisibilization of support; Biased voting system and lack of trust in women’s capacity to make decisions and lead; and Gendered divisions of labor and exclusions from key areas of governance. 

Citation: Naw Pe The Law and Mortensen, S. (2025) Recognizing and Promoting KWO and Women’s Decision-making in KNU’s 2025 Transition to Government. University of Copenhagen; Chulalongkorn University; Karen Environment and Social Action Network (KESAN); and Karen Women’s Organization (KWO).