Australia Awards alumna Nay Chi Linn has dedicated her career to empowering women and promoting inclusive access to health services in Myanmar. With a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from Flinders University, she has applied her academic knowledge to real-world challenges, leading initiatives that uplift marginalised communities and advocate for gender equality.

Before receiving her Australia Awards Scholarship, Nay Chi had already built a strong foundation in the health and development sector, working with non-governmental organisations. Inspired by her mentors and driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of gender issues, she pursued her studies in Australia, where she gained valuable insights into rights-based approaches, project management, and policy advocacy.

“I wanted to experience a different education system, to see how gender and health are approached in other contexts, and bring back best practices to apply in my organisation and community,” she reflected.

Upon returning to Myanmar, Nay Chi resumed her role at MSI Reproductive Choices – Myanmar, where she has led several impactful projects aimed at improving women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and ending violence against women and girls. Working closely with partners, she has strengthened the capacity of medical staff and raised awareness about these important matters. Her efforts have supported national-level initiatives focused on advancing gender equality and building more inclusive health systems.

“Women’s empowerment was a core part of my studies, and I was able to apply that knowledge directly advocating for women’s access to healthcare and their right to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.”

In recent years, Nay Chi has been leading the Women and Girls First Programme, which delivers comprehensive services, including psychosocial support, legal aid, and reproductive healthcare, to women, girls, and internally displaced persons across Myanmar. Her leadership has ensured that these services are inclusive, reaching people with disabilities (PWDs), sex workers, and other vulnerable groups. “Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s a commitment. We work to ensure no one is left behind, especially those who are often overlooked,” Nay Chi shares.

Recognising the importance of disability inclusion, Nay Chi has spearheaded efforts to make sexual and reproductive health education accessible to PWDs and other minority groups. Through targeted awareness sessions, capacity-building for field staff, and the formation of self-help groups, her team has created safe spaces for PWDs to share experiences and access vital services.

“We wanted to make sure PWDs are not left behind. With the new funding, we could provide tailored support—from awareness sessions to transportation and medical referrals.”

With dedicated funding, Nay Chi and her team have implemented targeted initiatives to support PWDs through:

• Monthly awareness sessions on SRHR services and gender-based violence prevention tailored to diverse needs
• Coverage of transportation cost for PWDs and their guardians
• Medical assistance and referrals
• The formation of self-help groups to foster peer support and amplify voices

An awareness session held to inform and engage the local community.

A key part of Nay Chi’s leadership has been empowering her female team members. Her participation in the Women in Executive Leadership Development (WELD) short course, supported by Australia Awards Myanmar, inspired her to adopt innovative approaches in her programs and to mentor her team into leadership roles, enhancing the quality and reach of field activities.

“After the short course, I realised the importance of building my team’s capacity—not just in technical areas but also in leadership and management. This way, they can better support our beneficiaries.”

Her team members have since upgraded their skills in planning, budgeting, reporting, and inclusive outreach. Former field assistants now serve as project assistants, introducing creative methods and approaches to make awareness sessions more engaging and accessible.

“Our field team became more creative. During awareness sessions, they used games and visual activities to make sharing more inclusive and fun.”

Nay Chi’s participation in the WELD short course further expanded her regional network. She continues to collaborate with fellow alumni, including those working in special education, sharing insights and exploring ways to support children with special needs through SRHR education.

“Connecting with fellow Myanmar alumni and other ASEAN participants and hearing from inspiring speakers helped me think differently and find new ways to lead. It reminded me that we’re not alone in this work. We learn from each other, and that shared knowledge helps us grow stronger.”

Nay Chi Linn participated in the 2024 WELD Short Course, engaging with fellow scholarship alumni and building connections across ASEAN.

Despite the challenges, Nay Chi remains committed to inclusive development and continues to make a meaningful impact through community-based and humanitarian-focused initiatives.

“Even beyond the funding, we are committed to continuing awareness sessions and linking PWDs to essential health services. We continue to listen to their voices and support their future plans to ensure sustainability.”

Nay Chi’s journey highlights the power of education to inspire local leaders who drive meaningful change in their own contexts. Through her dedication, she is not only improving lives but also inspiring others to lead with compassion and purpose.