Ethical Leadership: A Commitment to Safeguarding and Respect 24.11.2025

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), we emphasize that institutional accountability is fundamental to tackling this global issue. The Myanmar Health Assistant Association (MHAA), a trusted Sub-recipient of PR UNOPS, demonstrates a strong, proactive commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and accountable working environment for all staff and community members.

One of the Sub-recipients, MHAA, recognizes that the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) requires continuous internal effort and leadership. The year 2025 marked a transformative period for the MHAA, solidifying its institutional commitment and system growth. MHAA has systematically invested in strengthening its institutional mechanisms, driven by its core ethical mission.

Proactive Policy and System Strengthening

The MHAA is dedicated to maintaining a robust safeguarding framework through continuous improvement and adherence to international best practices. In 2025, MHAA fully revised and upgraded its existing Safeguarding Policy, including the PSEAH policy. Additionally, they also launched a new Child Safeguarding Policy. This comprehensive revision was informed by consultations with external experts on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. The updated policies align with the latest global standards and continuous improvement through the integration of best practices.

To operationalize this commitment, MHAA has embedded accountability into its daily operations through robust and survivor-centred mechanisms. This includes strengthening the PSEAH Focal Points System across headquarters and field offices to ensure timely reporting of concerns and promoting safe programming practices. Furthermore, the organization ensures all SEAH concerns are managed through a fair, transparent and survivor-centred mechanism that guarantees confidentiality and provides appropriate support via established referral pathways. Notably, MHAA’s case management and investigation processes have been further strengthened with support from UNOPS, ensuring a highly fair and transparent manner. 

Strengthening Leadership Accountability and Fostering a Healthy Culture

The MHAA’s commitment to an ethical workplace is championed from the top down, fostering a culture where respect and integrity thrive. The organization places special emphasis on the accountability of its leaders. To reinforce this, MHAA planned a series of intensive capacity-building sessions for its Senior Management Team (SMT) members and managers. This proactive leadership focus included a dedicated Safeguarding Training held on September 11-12, 2025 and a Healthy Communication workshop held on October 28, 2025. These sessions were specifically designed to strengthen leadership accountability, address power dynamics, and reinforce the commitment necessary to maintain a safe and ethical environment.

Organizational Impact and Legacy

Through MHAA’s dedication to ending GBV and its continuous efforts to prevent SEAH, MHAA has successfully begun a journey to establish a workplace culture that promotes safety and respect. Internally, clear indicators show that the leadership team is proactively addressing safeguarding issues, and staff report feeling a high degree of safety and respect. 

PR UNOPS is profoundly proud that our partner, MHAA, maintains this exemplary level of institutional commitment. PR UNOPS supports MHAA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical working environment and safeguarding for all through continuous training and monitoring, setting an example as a highly trusted organization. 

As the global community marks the 16 Days of Activism, MHAA’s commitment stands as a beacon of institutional commitment and determination to end Gender-Based Violence in all its forms.