In January I was fortunate to travel to Myanmar as adviser to an International Women’s Development Agency program which matched six Australian women Members of Parliament with six Myanmar MPs. The Program is based on the EMILY’s List Mentoring Model. 

And four of our most experienced and skilled EL mentors are participating in the Program – Senator Claire Moore, Lisa Chesters federal MP for Bendigo, Judith Graley former Victorian MP and Dr Lesley Clark former Queensland MP.

(From left to right: Senator Claire Moore, Judith Graley (former Victorian MP), Leonie Morgan, Dr Lesley Clark (former Queensland MP), Lisa Chesters MP)

The aim is to support the Myanmar MP’s to become more effective and successful in their parliamentary work, to work more closely with the women’s movement in advocating for gender equality policies and legislation,   and to work more effectively in their parties.

(From left to right: Judith Graley (former Victorian MP), Senator Claire Moore, Su Myat Noe, Akhaya Women (NGO), Daw Chris Htun MP, Thiha Nyi, Akhaya Women (NGO), Daw Nan Htwe Thu MP, Leonie Morgan)

This is the second time the Myanmar Mentoring Program has been undertaken, and as well as phone and email contact between MPs, it also includes visits by the Australian MPs to Myanmar and by the Myanmar MPs to Australia.

By Leonie Morgan

Mentoring Co-ordinator

EMILY’s List Australia