The aim and the objectives of the WLB are:

• To work for women`s empowerment and advancement of the status of women
• To work for the increased participation of women in all spheres of society
• To work for the increased participation of women in the democracy movement, and peace and national reconciliation processes.

The emergence of the union of Burma in 1948 was the outcome of a mutual understanding that the union would be one of co-equal, co-independent states, which was the spirit of the Pang Long agreement in 1947. However, after independence, the mutual understanding between the ethnic people was lost and decades of civil war ensued all over the country. These wars have especially impacted women and children. Women, particularly those belonging to ethnic minorities, have faced unnspeakable suffering, such as the death of husbands and family members, forced laboring and portering, rape, torture, extra-judicial killings, forced relocations, extortion, and confiscation of land and property by the military. The sufferings of the people escalated after the brutal crackdown on the 1988 pro-democracy movement. The current military junta has continued to systematically violate human rights, causing many citizens, including Burmans, to flee the country to bordering areas such as Bangladesh, India, and Thailand.

The WLB believes firmly that the contribution of women in the struggle to bring about human rights, democracy and equal rights for all nationalities in Burma will have a great impact, and their participation in the national reconciliation and peace-building process is essential.

With these aims in view, the second Forum of Women`s Organizations of Burma was held in Chiang Mai from December 7 to 9, 1999. Women who attended the forum shared their views on ways and means to find a common platform, and how to work together to promote the role and participation of women at all levels, including national affairs.

In order to increase the participation of women in the struggle for democracy and human rights, to build mutual understanding among all nationals and participate in the national reconciliation and development process, and to enhance the role of the women of Burma both at national and international levels, the Women`s League of Burma was established on December 9, 1999. Currently, there are eleven member organizations.

The current membership is comprised of the following organizations.



Burmese Women`s Union [BWU]

Kachin Women`s Association-Thailand [KWAT]

Karen Women`s Organization [KWO]

Karenni National Women`s Organization [KNWO]

Kuki Women`s Human Rights Organization [KWHRO]

Lahu Women`s Organization [LWO]

Palaung Women`s Organization [PWO]

Pa-O Women`s Union [PWU]

Rakhaing Women`s Union [RWU]

Shan Women`s Action Network [SWAN]

Tavoy Women`s Union [TWU]

Women`s Rights and Welfare Association of Burma [WRWAB]