(PS5-85) Breaking Silence, Rebuilding Lives: Trauma-informed Psychosocial Support for Women Survivors in Conflict Zones

This paper explores the intersection of trauma healing, resistance, and community resilience among Myanmar women survivors of gender-based violence and political conflict. Amid ongoing turmoil, access to traditional mental health resources remains limited or nonexistent. Yet, within these constraints, trauma education, mental health awareness, and collective care emerge as crucial tools for both individual healing and broader peace-building efforts. In resource-limited settings, the fight for justice and freedom itself becomes an act of resistance, making self-care and mental well-being not just personal necessities, but essential contributions to community strength and the struggle for liberation. This paper will examine innovative, technology-driven approaches for supporting survivors, including virtual grief support groups to foster connection and collective healing, trauma and resilience education to empower individuals and communities, and the training of community-based health workers and volunteers to deliver evidence-based mental health interventions.

With a particular focus on women survivors of political violence, this paper highlights the work of an international advocacy group committed to amplifying the voices of women impacted by trauma and conflict. By collaborating with UN-affiliated agencies and global stakeholders, these initiatives bridge grassroots survivor communities with international advocacy efforts, ensuring the lived experiences of Myanmar women inform global conversations on human rights, mental health, and post-conflict recovery. This paper underscores that amid crises, survivors are not merely victims but leaders and change-makers shaping their communities’ futures. By exchanging expertise, resources, and strategies, this discussion aims to advance a collective vision for healing, empowerment, and resistance, creating a model for trauma recovery and resilience that extends beyond Myanmar to other conflict-affected regions.