Thiri Aung is the CEO and Founder of Women Transforming Myanmar, an organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering gender equality in Myanmar. Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, our mission is to support women in building sustainable businesses and overcoming socio-economic challenges. Today, our network includes over 5,000 women entrepreneurs, leaders of SMEs, and MSMEs.
Due to COVID-19 and political upheaval in Myanmar, women face significant struggles, from managing family income under stressful conditions to seeking job opportunities and starting their own businesses. Many lack access to essential resources such as market information, training, and finance, making it incredibly challenging to survive or sustain. Recognizing these barriers, I established Women Transforming Myanmar to create a supportive community. This entrepreneurial journey, though challenging, deepened my understanding of the hurdles women face in the business world.
At Women Transforming Myanmar, we offer leadership training, mentorship programs, business development services, and strategic partnerships with organizations like UN Women and UNDP. We have partnered with UN Women to deliver the Transformative Feminist Leadership program, empowering over 500 women with leadership training and support in 2023. We've also collaborated with UNDP to facilitate nearly 400 women entrepreneurs with essential business skills.
My passion for women's empowerment and gender equality drives my work. I am committed to creating a network where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and drive meaningful change.
