The treatment of Burmese women varies across regions, ethnic groups, and socio-economic contexts, but many face significant gender-based discrimination and inequalities deeply rooted in cultural, political, and economic structures. Here are some stories and examples highlighting how Burmese women are treated unfairly:
1. Exploitation in the Workforce
Burmese women often face systemic discrimination in the labor force. Many work in low-paying, precarious jobs with little to no protection.
Example: In garment factories in Yangon, where the majority of workers are young women, employees report being overworked and underpaid. They endure unsafe working conditions, with managers sometimes demanding overtime without pay. Sexual harassment in these workplaces is rampant, but women rarely speak out due to fears of losing their jobs or facing retaliation.
2. Violence Against Women
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in Myanmar. Women, particularly in conflict zones, are vulnerable to sexual violence perpetrated by armed groups, including the military.
Example: During the military’s brutal crackdowns in ethnic minority regions, such as Kachin and Shan states, there have been numerous reports of sexual violence against women. Soldiers have been accused of using rape as a weapon of war. Survivors often face stigma and ostracization from their communities, leaving them without support or justice.
3. The Plight of Rohingya Women
Rohingya women, part of the Muslim minority group in Myanmar, have faced some of the worst abuses under the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Example: Many Rohingya women who fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh have recounted harrowing stories of systematic rape and abuse by soldiers during the 2017 military crackdown in Rakhine State. Survivors face long-lasting trauma, and in the camps, they struggle with poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare or education for their children.
4. Child Brides and Forced Marriages
In some parts of Myanmar, particularly in rural and impoverished regions, the practice of child marriage remains prevalent. This denies girls access to education and exposes them to health risks associated with early pregnancies.
Example: In certain ethnic communities, young girls are often married off to ease the financial burden on their families. Once married, they face societal pressure to prioritize their husband’s needs and domestic responsibilities over their own aspirations, often resulting in the loss of personal autonomy.
5. Lack of Political Representation
While Aung San Suu Kyi’s rise to prominence offered hope for women’s leadership, the broader political system in Myanmar remains overwhelmingly male-dominated. Women rarely hold positions of power or influence.
Example: In Myanmar’s 2020 elections, women accounted for less than 17% of parliamentary candidates. Those who do enter politics face harassment and are often dismissed as incapable of leadership due to patriarchal stereotypes.
6. Barriers to Education
In rural and conflict-affected areas, many girls are denied access to education due to poverty, cultural norms, or safety concerns. This limits their opportunities for economic independence and reinforces cycles of inequality.
Example: In Chin State, one of Myanmar’s poorest regions, many families prioritize sending sons to school, while daughters are expected to stay home and help with domestic work. This creates a gender gap in literacy and job opportunities, perpetuating inequality.
7. Domestic Abuse and Legal Gaps
Domestic violence is a significant issue in Myanmar, but there are few legal protections for victims. The lack of laws specifically criminalizing domestic violence leaves women with limited recourse.
Example: A young woman from Mandalay shared her story of enduring years of physical abuse from her husband. When she sought help from local authorities, they dismissed her claims, citing that it was a “family matter.” With no financial independence or support system, she had no choice but to stay in the abusive relationship.
8. Human Trafficking
Trafficking of women and girls, particularly from ethnic minority groups, is a serious problem in Myanmar. Many are lured by promises of work or marriage, only to find themselves trapped in forced labor or sexual exploitation.
Example: Women from Kachin and Shan states are often trafficked into China, where they are forced into marriage with Chinese men due to a shortage of women caused by China’s one-child policy. These women are treated as commodities, with little to no chance of escape or legal support.
9. Displacement and Gendered Impacts of Conflict
Decades of ethnic conflict have displaced millions, with women bearing the brunt of the impact. Displaced women often face gender-specific challenges, including a lack of access to reproductive healthcare and increased vulnerability to exploitation.
Example: In internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Kachin State, women report struggling to access basic necessities like sanitary products and prenatal care. Many are forced to take on additional responsibilities as sole breadwinners when their husbands are killed or conscripted into armed groups.
10. Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles
In traditional Burmese society, women are often expected to fulfill submissive roles, prioritizing family and household duties over personal ambitions. These cultural norms restrict women’s participation in public life and decision-making.
Example: Even among educated urban women, societal pressure to marry and conform to traditional gender roles can limit their career aspirations. Women who defy these expectations often face criticism or social ostracism.
Conclusion
Burmese women face a multitude of challenges, from systemic discrimination and violence to deeply ingrained cultural expectations. However, many are actively fighting for change. Grassroots organizations, women’s rights groups, and activists within Myanmar and the diaspora are working tirelessly to combat gender inequality, advocate for justice, and empower women to take control of their lives and futures.