Backgrounder - Canada strengthens democratic development in Burma (Myanmar)
Backgrounder
Burma is a country of focus for Canada’s international development efforts. Programming focuses on strengthening democracy by improving inclusive and accountable government, and on improving the prosperity and well-being of women and poor people living in rural areas.
To that end, Canada announces $44 million toward four bilateral development projects that recently began operations:
- Decentralized Governance ($5.1 million, 2016-2018)
Implemented by the Forum of Federations, this project will contribute to Burma’s efforts to build a stable and inclusive democratic system by improving knowledge and understanding of federalism, gender equality and decentralization.
- Strengthening Information Management for Accountable and Transparent Governance ($4.3 million, 2015-2020)
This project supports the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Myanmar Information Management Unit to improve information management systems to support coordinated planning and programming by the Government of Burma and development partners; increase the capacity of public institutions to collect, manage and analyze socio-economic data; and increase access to this data by public and private actors.
- Inclusive Democratic Development in Burma ($18.6 million, 2015-2020)
This project, implemented by Canadian non-governmental orgamization Inter Pares, will strengthen citizen engagement, deepen understanding of democratic systems, and build the capacity of marginalized, conflict-affected and displaced communities to participate in their own development. It will also provide support for refugee communities in border areas, as well as community-based primary health-care services in ethnic minority areas.
- Improving Market Opportunities for Women ($16.3 million, 2015-2020)
Implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a Canadian non-governmental orgamization, this project supports women small producers in Shan and Kayin states. The project aims to increase women’s income, status and well-being through more profitable businesses that they control. It will also work with partners to increase access to credit, inputs, market linkages and new technologies for women.
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