Women's Inclusion In Decision Making & Leadership To Boost Economic Progress

Gender equality and women’s empowerment have long been areas of concern globally. The world has realised that women’s inclusion in the workforce is not only the ethically right thing to aspire for, but it also makes business sense. Various reports and studies have highlighted the business advantages that women’s inclusion in the workforce and leadership teams can bring about.

Countries and organizations globally now give ample emphasis to promote women’s empowerment. Take for instance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Community Vision 2025 of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which counts Gender equality and women’s empowerment as its top priority.

Their vision is to build a region that is inclusive and sustainable.

Doing our bit to create a more inclusive world, Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine highlights the commendable work done by women leaders across the world. In the current edition of the magazine, we focus the spotlight on women leaders from Myanmar who have conquered varied industries. Although the country fares rather poorly on the global Gender Inequality Index, yet women leaders from Myanmar continue to strive hard to achieve success.

One such woman is Yuko Kato, the CEO of MJI Enterprise, a socially-driven microfinance institution in Myanmar. Originally from Japan, she moved to Myanmar in 2013 and led a management buyout of the company in 2018. With no formal business background, she built MJI on a foundation of empathy, trust, and resilience. Yuko is passionate about financial inclusion and empowering women in rural areas, aiming to support families and invest in the next generation through accessible, responsible microfinance solutions tailored to Myanmar’s communities.

Joining Yuko is Dr. Kalyar Khine, MD, Unique Standard Company. Dr. Kalyar holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Yangon University and a Master of Engineering in Physics. With over a decade of experience, she brings deep expertise in corrosion prevention, strategic leadership, and project management. Her journey blends academic excellence with hands-on industry innovation.

In this month’s special edition, we also feature an interaction with Aye Myat Thu. As a Partner at VDB Loi, Aye Myat Thu specializes in project structuring, real estate transactions, and regulatory advisory in Myanmar. With extensive experience in navigating complex legal landscapes, she offers strategic guidance to clients and contributes to the country’s development.

Read on to know how these women leaders are facilitating a gender balanced future for Myanmar’s business landscape.

Do let us know your thoughts.