About Us

About Us

The Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was established on 28th of March 1999 by an informal network of Shan women active along the Thai-Burma border responding to the needs of displaced Shan people with the aim of working together for social and political change in Burma.

SWAN is one of the founding members of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), an umbrella women’s organization comprising 13 women’s groups from Burma.

Our Vision

SWAN is envisioning Union of Burma, as a federal democratic country, premised on social and political justice, gender and ethnic equality.

Our Vision

SWAN is envisioning Union of Burma, as a federal democratic country, premised on social and political justice, gender and ethnic equality.

Our Mission

SWAN is committed to strengthening gender equality and justice for all women of Burma in their struggle for social and political rights through community-based actions, research and advocacy among Shan communities and through networking with local, national and international women.

Objectives

  • Promoting the rights of women and children
  • Opposing exploitation of, and violence against, women and children
  • Working together for peace and freedom
  • Empowering women for a better life
  • Raising awareness to preserve natural resources and the environment

SWAN’s Symbol

SWAN’s symbol is a stylized image of the Kennari, a mythical half-bird/half-woman, who is depicted as dancing in a martial arts posture. The symbol represents our desire to preserve our culture and to protect ourselves.

Our Herstory