Myanmar in Southeast Asia, with over 51 million inhabitants, has a diverse geography and an even more diverse population, with 135 distinct ethnic groups and many different languages. A history of colonial rule followed by periods of conflict has shaped current power relations within the country.

Culture, traditional and religious practices have a strong influence on what is seen as ‘normal’ and accepted by society. All this, influences discrimination against certain groups, often minorities or those who are different, excluding them from access to basic needs such as education, health and wellbeing, work or influence on decision making.

Excluded, marginalised people in Myanmar experience many hardships. As well as being excluded from services or areas of society, they have no voice in decision making bodies that could change these circumstances. Their stories and experiences stay invisible; they do not appear in statistics and official data.

Activities will focus on empowerment by bringing these group together, creating space and opportunities for them to build capacities, identify challenges and plan actions, such as advocacy to bring about the change they want to see. Building evidence for advocacy, through community-led data collection, is a key element in the programme.