Hla Day Myanmar

Hamlets of Pan Pet Village are home to Kayah women, long known for wearing brass neck and leg rings. Due to conflict and limited opportunities, many left for Thailand, where they became tourist attractions.

As peace slowly returns, some women are moving back to their villages. With support from NGO ITC, community-based tourism projects are helping them gain autonomy and new opportunities. When the brass rings become too loose with age, the women repurpose them into bangles, which they sell to visiting tourists. These women are resourceful, entrepreneurial, and eager to share their culture and stories through their craft.

Despite ongoing instability in the region, they remain in contact with Hla Day and continue sending their jewelry to Yangon whenever possible.