“I want the peace process to include people from all walks of life so that Myanmar can realize long-lasting peace and political reform,” said Daw Tin Tin Nyo, the general secretary of the Women’s League of Burma, which organized the five-day conference that began on February 24.

One of the main objectives of the conference is to encourage more people to participate in the peace process, Daw Tin Tin Nyo told Mizzima on February 25.

A total of 13 women’s organizations, including representatives of the Kachin, Shan, Kayin, Kayah, Kayan, Pa-O, Palaung, Rakhine ethnic groups, as well as the majority Bamar group, are participating in the conference.

Conference participants have been hearing about the talks between the government and armed ethnic groups that are aimed at securing a nationwide ceasefire agreement, from senior members of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, New Mon State Party and Karen National Union.

The vice chief of staff of the Kachin Independence Organisation, General Gun Maw, and the vice chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party, Kho Oo Ye, were due to address the conference on February 26.

U Nyo Ohn Myint from the Myanmar Peace Center has also been invited to participate in the conference.