By Sr Florence Soe,  Myanmar (Province of East Asia)

Since 2021, the struggles in Myanmar have grown deeper and more painful. Political turmoil has torn the nation apart, and unceasing clashes between the military and armed resistance groups have placed everyone’s life at constant risk. Violence against women isn’t just tolerated—it’s widely accepted as part of the culture.

The justice system often protects perpetrators rather than holding them accountable. This acceptance of gender-based violence creates a culture of stigma and shame for survivors and their children. Women rarely report incidents of violence or rape, as local authorities dismiss these cases as “family matters” rather than serious issues. As a result, access to justice and social services is painfully limited.

Good Shepherd Myanmar Foundation (GSMF) works in partnership with civil society organizations and faith-based organizations, including Buddhist monks, to provide assistance to abused women and children. Our program to end gender-based violence includes two main parts: a shelter and an outreach service for women who have faced different forms of abuse.

Our shelter currently supports about 15 women and their children, while our outreach extends to around 75 additional women each year suffering from gender-based violence.

All our activities are carried out according to the guiding principles of gender-based violence care: safety, respect, confidentiality, non-discrimination, and the right to receive quality services. No one is left behind, no matter their religion or ethnicity.

Here, the needs and strengths of each participant are central as we empower them to live lives free from abuse. One of our program participants in the shelter shared her feelings, saying, “I am grateful to God for bringing me to this shelter. Without this place, women like me would have nowhere to turn. Here, I have found a safe place when I had lost the strength to face life—or anyone in it”.

Another young woman tearfully shared on her birthday, “Today, my dream came true. When I was at home, I always wished that just once in my life, I could celebrate my birthday.”

We offer a range of essential services: safe accommodation, meals and nutrition, dignity kits, support for childbirth, medical care, small business setup, life skills sessions, group facilitation, psychosocial support, and referrals to other specialized services.

We arrange counseling for those needing further assistance while children receive informal education to support their growth. Women also participate in weekly classes on local food preparation, which can serve as a foundation for micro-enterprises upon their return home and help them become financially independent.

This year, we organized a life experience sharing session for program participants who received small business support. The main speakers were women who had previously benefited from the program, and hearing their life stories deeply moved us. Their experiences offered powerful insights into the incredible inner resilience they carry, regardless of their backgrounds. We were inspired by their creativity and strength, which showed us how the human spirit can overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

They shared how their businesses had grown from the initial startup to where they are today. Many began with a single product but soon identified additional items to sell, allowing them to expand further. Some participants even ventured into two or three types of business, determined to make the most of the financial support they received and to avoid returning to their former lives.

They encouraged other women not to give up but to consider what they could do or sell within their communities and take action rather than feeling stuck in their difficulties due to the high inflation in the country.

Implementing our work plan in this war-torn country has become a significant challenge in these difficult times. Meeting with program participants and conducting follow-ups is more complex than ever, as safety concerns have altered how and where we meet.

No matter how complex the challenges are for our sisters and partners-in-mission, we are never discouraged in our mission to empower women. We come together in our weekly meetings to share our concerns and collaborate on the best ways to serve those in need.

Since our arrival to the country in 1866, we have been guided by the words of St. Mary Euphrasia, “You must live by love. Fear is not made for you. It is not in this way that the Good Shepherd wants to be served“.

As our 47 sisters and numerous partners-in-mission mark 158 years of our presence here, we remain focused on confronting the unjust systems that serve to perpetuate the suffering of the oppressed, marginalized, and vulnerable and steadfast in our mission to bring hope, dignity, and lasting change to those most in need.