Programme · July 2026

From Foggy Days To Clearer Paths Ahead

Ma Yin, Ma Khin and Jelly came to Women in Construction from very different places. Here is what changed for them.

Ma Yin, whose husband is an assistant carpenter, has some experience working on construction sites in 2008 and 2009, carrying mortar and bricks and assisting masons. Although she had been working as a Quality Control officer in garment factories, she hoped to establish her own independent career, free from factory dependency.

Ma Khin previously worked as a journalist in the media industry for over ten years. After facing difficulties in the media field and personal challenges that dampened her spirits, she had been hoping to switch to a career that would allow her to be active and work in a team.

Jelly, who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, used to spend his days helping at his mother's clothing shop and running a small drinks stall in the neighbourhood. Although he was passionate about working in the construction sector, he had given up on it, thinking it was a field reserved for men and believing that, because of his small stature, he could only work in construction if he became an engineer.

After learning about the "Women in Construction" programme through Doh Eain's social media page and from neighbours, they each joined the programme with individual motivation. They were particularly enthusiastic about attending when they discovered the programme included an on-site internship after the training period.

“When I first arrived, everyone welcomed me with such warmth and treated me as an equal. As an LGBTQIA+ person, I honestly didn’t expect that, so the support I found here really surprised me and made me feel safe.”

During the programme, Jelly, who is interested in carpentry, is now keen to continue working in the fields of furniture and interior decoration.

“I wanted to see what challenges I might face, since this programme is for women. Even though I’d been in the media industry for over a decade, I made the decision to step back so I could take this course seriously.”

Ma Khin, who previously thought any wire would electrocute her, now plans to work with electricity, having received systematic training on the subject during the programme.

“I got paid well at the garment factory, but it doesn’t give me the space to grow. At WIC, the trainers explain everything clearly, and because we get to do the hands-on work, I now feel much more confident about returning to the construction sector.”

Ma Yin, who can now assemble tables and fix pipes after completing the programme, is now preparing to make a living in the construction sector itself.

The "Women in Construction" programme aims to enable women to enter and start working in the construction sector, an industry where job opportunities are traditionally abundant only for men.