The Story of Christian Women Peace Leaders in Myanmar: Overcoming Gendered Barriers and Leading from Faith

This paper explores the leadership journeys of Christian women peacebuilders in Myanmar amid ongoing conflict and political instability. Employing qualitative life story analysis, it examines how these women navigate entrenched gendered and religious barriers while advancing inclusive peacebuilding. Their leadership is deeply rooted in Christian faith, drawing strength from values such as compassion, resilience, humility, and service, and challenging male-dominated and patriarchal peace paradigms. Beyond descriptive accounts, the study critically engages with the ethical, spiritual, and relational dimensions of women’s leadership, highlighting the tensions, contradictions, and agency strategies they employ in conflict-affected contexts. The findings underscore the essential and enduring role of faith-driven women in fostering sustainable peace and social cohesion, demonstrating the broader significance of women’s leadership in conflict resolution and community healing. By illuminating the intersection of gender, faith, and peacebuilding, this study affirms the vital contribution of Christian women to inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar.