U.S. Consulate Reception for Naw K’nyaw Paw

May 30

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai reception honouring Naw K’nyaw Paw, an awardee of the 2019 International Women of Courage (IWOC). 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 across the border in Myanmar. At great personal risk, 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. U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel sent a letter to congratulate Naw K’nyaw Paw (which was read out at the reception) “Naw K’Nyaw Paw has earned the admiration of many people in Myanmar and around the world for her leadership, dedication, and courage working for peace.  When she spoke on behalf of all ten of the International Women of Courage Award recipients at the award ceremony in Washington this year, she gave voice to the aspirations of all those who have fought for greater peace, human rights, and dignity for all. We are proud to support her. Congratulations, Naw K’Nyaw Paw.” The Secretary of State’s IWOC 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, often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Since the inception of this award in March 2007, the State Department has recognized more than 120 women from more than 65 different countries.