Behind the Impact: Win May Htway

Behind the Impact.

Creating real change for the children, families and communities ChildFund Australia supports doesn’t happen alone. It takes a team working across borders, time zones and challenges. Our Behind the Impact series gives you a closer look at what drives our team. Here, ChildFund Myanmar Country Director Win May Htway shares how her passion for working with children began with stories, the rituals that ground her and her commitment to creating lasting change.

Building a career with purpose

My humanitarian journey began with Doctors Without Borders (MSF-Holland), where I discovered my passion for supporting children and young people. Over the years, working in different roles with international NGOs, I’ve been driven by the same goal: to address injustice and help those in need.

As a child, I dreamed of being a writer – the kind who sparks imagination and transports people to worlds they might never explore alone. I wrote stories about war, the environment, and children facing hardship. Books and writing taught me creativity and helped me make sense of the world – lessons I carry into my humanitarian work today.

A quote I return to often is, “The child is the father of the man.” It reminds me how early support shapes the adults we become. I think of a girl born with HIV, who faced discrimination from family and school. With treatment and support from our programs at Doctors Without Borders, she grew into a confident young woman and, years later, was raising her own family. Her resilience showed me why opportunities for children matter so profoundly.

What drew her to ChildFund

The name "ChildFund" has always felt purposeful. It speaks directly to what matters most, investing in children so they can shape their own futures. I have been with ChildFund for nearly ten years, the longest I have stayed at any organisation. Its vision that every child can say, 'I am safe. I am educated. I contribute. I have a future,' resonates deeply.

A balancing act to create impact

Leading an organisation in Myanmar is demanding and we are only as strong as the team around us. Every colleague brings ideas, expertise and creativity and creating space for every voice is essential.

To stay focused and energised, I start my day with a prayer, followed by 30 minutes of light exercise. I use this time to reflect on life's blessings. I finish work by 5 pm and encourage my team to do the same, reserving weekends to switch off whenever possible unless something urgent arises. These routines help me lead effectively while maintaining balance for myself and those around me

Who inspires her

I am inspired every day by the children, families and colleagues I work with, especially the strength of girls and women in the communities we serve. Their perseverance guides how programs are designed and why the work continues.

Closer to home, my greatest lessons came from my mother. She had a strong personality and showed my sister and me that women can be leaders and achievers while remaining compassionate and considerate.

How she responds to challenges

Myanmar faces ongoing crises, from displacement to limited access to essential services, yet children and young people show remarkable strength. Last year, twin earthquakes hit the country. One family, struggling to make ends meet, considered withdrawing their eldest daughter from school mid-term. With our support, she continued her education and completed the year.

The importance of equal opportunities for women and girls

Women and girls in Myanmar often face traditional and cultural limits, yet they show extraordinary resourcefulness. Their strength and resilience remind me why our work matters and shape the programs we design to meet their needs. Our programs provide safe spaces, encourage leadership and promote equal opportunities alongside boys. Supporting girls today shapes the women of tomorrow.

What keeps her grounded

People are sometimes surprised to know that I prefer dark gothic metal. It gives me energy, focus and a little edge to tackle the day, and it is part of how I stay grounded while leading in challenging contexts.

Why making change possible takes all of us

Even small opportunities can transform a child’s life. I have seen how the generosity and support of ChildFund Australia helps children, especially girls, stay in school and families recover after crises. Most importantly, it helps them imagine futures that once felt out of reach.

Learn more about our work in Myanmar.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.