Itthiya Foundation

Itthiya Foundation: Founded on 30 July 2022 by five women from Myanmar and now operating from Thailand for security reasons, Itthiya grew out of the Gender Rights Team of Tharthi Myay Foundation, which disbanded after the 2021 military coup. Retaining the team’s partnerships and expertise, Itthiya became a local feminist grant‑maker run by young, ethnically diverse women. Purpose: To advance gender justice in Myanmar by financing and strengthening grassroots initiatives led by women, youth, LGBTQI+ people and other marginalised communities, so they can resist oppression, rebuild their societies and live free from gender‑based violence. Primary activities Strategic grant‑making – more than 30 partner groups nationwide receive flexible, rapid grants tailored to their context. Priority themes are • Adolescent girls’ and youth leadership • Women’s economic empowerment as a GBV‑prevention tool • GBV response services • Women, Peace & Security advocacy Capacity‑building – mentoring, organisational development and peer‑learning help partners move from project survival to long‑term sustainability. Systems for accountability – a comprehensive, locally adapted grant manual, application forms and monitoring tools ensure transparency, inclusiveness and consistent decision‑making. These instruments are regularly upgraded, especially for micro‑grants to community‑based CSOs. Movement support & voice amplification – facilitation of cross‑ethnic dialogue, research sharing and collective campaigning to challenge discriminatory norms and policies. Distinctive strengths: Deep grassroots insight inherited from Tharthi Myay’s decade of field work. Staff drawn from multiple ethnic regions, enabling culturally sensitive support. A “safety‑first” operation in Thailand that protects both team and grantees while keeping funds flowing inside Myanmar. Through these methods, Itthiya seeks a just, equal Myanmar where every person can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.