November 25 was designated as the International Day Of Violence Against Women.
Violence against women pervades all societies and cultures. Sharing knowledge and experience in ending violence against women can help bring us closer to eliminating this threat to women's lives and well-being.
Earlier this year, Shan Women’s Association and Shan Human Rights Organization earlier this year issued a report – License To Rape - which alleged Burmese soldiers raped Shan ethnic women as a form of weapon of war.
Nang Mo Hong, spokesperson of Shan Human Rights organization related a tragic story of a pregnant 17-year old Shan woman gang raped by Burmese soldiers.
However, the Burmese military government denied the allegations made in the report as untrue.
Ko Aung Myo Min, a human rights activist based in Thailand, noted violence against women in Burma exists in all forms, including gender discrimination in home and society.
He said men and women need to be educated to change their perspectives on traditional beliefs and work towards empowering Burmese women in modern society.