WOMEN’S EQUITY

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KRIS WAL

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Women’s equity in Myanmar (Burma) is a multifaceted issue influenced by cultural norms, historical traditions, political transitions, and the effects of ongoing conflicts. While women in Myanmar have made some advances in certain areas, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched across many aspects of life, particularly in politics, education, employment, and social status. Here’s a detailed examination of women’s equity in Myanmar:

1. Cultural and Historical Context

a. Traditional Role of Women

  • Cultural Norms:
    Myanmar’s society is influenced by traditional values, including Buddhist beliefs, which place women in a supportive role to men.
    • In Theravāda Buddhism, which dominates in Myanmar, women are often considered spiritually inferior to men, as they cannot achieve enlightenment as a monk in this lifetime.
    • This belief has perpetuated the idea that women should prioritize familial and domestic roles.
  • Matriarchal Elements:
    Despite patriarchal norms, Myanmar historically had some matriarchal elements in its culture. For instance:
    • Women traditionally had control over household finances.
    • Some historical female figures, like Queen Shin Sawbu, held significant power and influence.

b. Colonial and Post-Independence Period

  • During British colonial rule, women gained access to education and professions in urban areas.
  • Post-independence (1948), women played active roles in politics and public life, with figures like Daw Khin Kyi, the wife of General Aung San, setting an example in diplomacy.

However, the post-1962 military junta era saw a regression in women’s rights and roles as the state imposed restrictions on civic and political life.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

a. Legal Protections

  • The Constitution of Myanmar (2008):
    • The constitution provides formal equality for women, stating that women and men are equal under the law.
    • However, it does not address specific mechanisms for protecting women from discrimination or violence.
  • Labor Laws:
    • Women have the legal right to work in any profession, but labor laws do not adequately address issues like workplace harassment, maternity leave, or pay equity.
  • Customary Laws:
    • In some ethnic communities, customary laws take precedence over national laws. These often favor men in matters like inheritance and divorce, disadvantaging women.

b. Gaps in Enforcement

  • While legal frameworks exist, they are poorly enforced, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
  • Women rarely seek legal recourse due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and distrust in the justice system.

3. Political Participation

a. Limited Representation

  • Women are underrepresented in politics:
    • In the 2020 general election, women made up only 15.9% of parliamentarians.
    • Myanmar’s military, which controls 25% of parliamentary seats under the 2008 Constitution, has no women in its ranks.
  • Despite this, notable women like Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), have played significant roles in Myanmar’s political landscape.
    • Suu Kyi’s leadership inspired many women, though her tenure did not prioritize gender equity reforms.

b. Barriers to Political Engagement

  • Patriarchal attitudes discourage women from pursuing leadership roles.
  • Conflict and militarization further marginalize women, particularly in ethnic areas where women face violence and intimidation.

4. Economic Participation

a. Employment Trends

  • Women make up about 47% of Myanmar’s labor force, but most work in low-paying, informal, or precarious jobs such as agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work.
  • The garment industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of women, is a major source of income for women, but working conditions are often exploitative, with long hours, low pay, and little job security.

b. Gender Pay Gap

  • Women earn significantly less than men in most sectors.
  • Cultural norms often limit women’s career advancement, as they are expected to prioritize family responsibilities.

c. Entrepreneurship

  • Women face barriers to accessing credit and resources for starting businesses, especially in rural areas.
  • However, women-run small businesses are common in urban centers, often in retail or food industries.

5. Education

a. Literacy and School Enrollment

  • Women in Myanmar have achieved near-parity in basic education, with literacy rates for women around 86%, compared to 92% for men.
  • However, access to education diminishes at higher levels, particularly in rural areas, due to factors such as poverty, early marriage, and societal expectations.

b. Barriers in Higher Education

  • In higher education, women are underrepresented in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Cultural biases often push women toward fields considered “suitable” for their gender, like teaching or healthcare.

6. Gender-Based Violence

a. Prevalence

  • Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread but underreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of legal support.
  • Forms of violence include:
    • Domestic violence
    • Sexual harassment in workplaces and public spaces
    • Conflict-related sexual violence, particularly in ethnic minority regions.

b. Conflict Zones

  • Women in conflict-affected areas (e.g., Kachin, Shan, Rakhine) face heightened risks of sexual violence by military and armed groups.
  • Displacement due to conflict often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.

7. Women in Ethnic Minority Communities

a. Additional Challenges

  • Ethnic minority women face compounded discrimination due to their ethnicity and gender.
  • Many live in areas with limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

b. Activism

  • Women’s groups within ethnic communities, such as the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), advocate for gender equity and document human rights abuses against women.

8. Progress and Women’s Movements

a. Women’s Organizations

  • Women’s rights organizations like Akaya Women and Gender Equality Network (GEN) play vital roles in raising awareness, advocating for legal reforms, and supporting survivors of GBV.

b. International Support

  • Global initiatives and NGOs, such as UN Women, provide funding and technical support for women’s empowerment programs in Myanmar.

c. Shifting Attitudes

  • Younger generations, particularly in urban areas, are increasingly questioning traditional gender roles, leading to a slow but noticeable shift in attitudes.

Challenges to Achieving Gender Equity

  1. Cultural Barriers: Deeply rooted patriarchal norms limit women’s roles and opportunities.
  2. Political Instability: The 2021 military coup has disrupted progress, with women’s rights organizations targeted and the militarization of society intensifying.
  3. Conflict and Displacement: Ongoing ethnic conflicts disproportionately affect women, hindering their ability to participate in economic and political life.
  4. Lack of Legal Protections: Weak enforcement of gender-related laws perpetuates inequality.

Conclusion

While Myanmar has seen some progress in women’s education and employment, significant challenges remain. Gender equity is hampered by cultural norms, political instability, and systemic barriers. Efforts to promote women’s rights are ongoing, but true equity will require structural reforms, enforcement of laws, and a cultural shift toward recognizing the value and capabilities of women in all aspects of society.

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