YANGON: Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Than Soe said that if women experience violence, they can report it to the 24-hour Helpline 1566 to access the necessary services.
He made the remarks at the 2026 International Women's Day ceremony held at the Joint Conference Hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Office No. 23, Naypyidaw, on Sunday (March 8).
Dr Than Soe, who is also Myanmar Women's Committee Vice President, said that this year's International Women's Day theme is "Promoting Justice and Rights for All Women."
According to the theme, we must work to achieve equality and justice for women, to know and respect the laws, to remove obstacles that hinder the development of women and girls, and to improve the future.
Myanmar is a member state of the United Nations, and is implementing the Sustainable Development Goal (5) on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the provisions of the World Conference on Women and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the work programmes in line with the national policy.
Out of the world's population of more than 8 billion in 2026, 49.74 per cent are women.
According to the 2024 Population and Housing Census Union Report, the total population of Myanmar is 51.4 million, of which 53 per cent are women.
It is well known that Myanmar women have traditionally enjoyed equal human rights with men, in line with international standards, and that ending all forms of violence against women is also essential to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women.
He said that the Helpline 1566 is available 24 hours a day to report cases of violence and to ensure that necessary services are available.
He added that in order to ensure that all Myanmar women can fully enjoy their rights and implement international commitments and plans, various ministries and regions/states must work in conjunction with the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (NSPAW) in implementing projects.
Those attending the International Women's Day event later viewed the products of women's schools and women's organisations on display. - Eleven Media/ANN
