Introduction

This chapter describes the contributions of women to that peace process and reflects on the significance of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the context of Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi has inspired her fellow party members, and as an icon of democracy and human rights, many of her supporters in the international community also expect her to advocate for women’s rights. As the head of government and a key actor in the ongoing peace process, Aung San Suu Kyi’s contribution to peace and women’s empowerment in Myanmar is bound to be evaluated against the global Women, Peace and Security agenda. A look at Aung San Suu Kyi’s position as a woman leader may highlight the dilemmas women decision makers often face. A key item on the WPS agenda is to ensure women’s inclusion in peace processes. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.