Myanmar Woman to Receive the 2019 International Women of Courage Award 

08 March 2019
Myanmar Woman to Receive the 2019 International Women of Courage Award 
Naw K’nyaw Paw. Photo: U.S. Embassy Rangoon

The U.S. Embassy Yangon has announced that Naw K’nyaw Paw from Myanmar has been awarded the United States 2019 International Women of Courage Award, according to a statement.

Naw K’nyaw Paw is a lifelong peace activist and General Secretary of the Karen Women’s Organization (KWO), an ethnic women’s organization which supports gender equality and indigenous people’s rights in Myanmar.

Naw K’nyaw Paw and the KWO have documented sexual and gender-based violence in conflict in Myanmar since 2004.  In 2017, under her leadership, the KWO was the first, and one of the few, in Myanmar to condemn publicly the military-led violence against the Muslim community in northern Rakhine State. 

Now in its 33rd year as an organization, the KWO continues to work for peace and a united civilian government in Myanmar, while also working to improve the lives of women and children in conflict-affected communities in Karen State.   

The award recognizes women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.  Naw K’nyaw Paw is the third woman from Myanmar to receive the International Women of Courage Award.