The Union government is implementing the nation’s ‘Women and Girls First Initiative’ in four areas - Rakhine, Kachin, Kayin and the northern Shan states.

The plan that aims to protect women and girls from abuse and sexism began last year and is scheduled to wrap up next year, Union Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye said on Tuesday.

“The plan covers areas like legal rights, safety, development policies, reproductive health, business opportunities for women and girls, and gender-based violence.

Dr Win Myat Aye said the plan would be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar police, women rights groups, refugee camp management committees and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

“The precursor project was already carried out last year in Kachin State, where women and girls at IDP [internally displaced person] camps were given protection against abuse and sexism.

“Eight centres were set up by the UNFPA, where awareness programs were organised for girls,” he said during the ‘Women and Girls First Initiative’ event at the Royal Ace Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.

Dr Win Myat Aye said in the project carried out together with the Social Welfare Department, officers from the UN body and Public Health Department also conducted fieldwork at the centres set up by UNFPA and refugee camps in Kachin State’s Myitkyina and Waingmaw.

He said his ministry was finalizing the Women’s Protection and Prevention of Violence Law soon.