Myanmar Women, Fear, Violence, and Gender Inequalities

• In Event: Understanding Ma-Ba-Tha: Buddhism, Customary Laws, and Women in Myanmar

Abstract

Khin Mar Mar Kyi represents the viewpoint of many Myanmar women who have been oppressed and discriminated against, but at the same time been active agents in social and political protests in regional as well as in the nation-wide campaigns. Since Myanmar opened its door to the world in 2011, sectarian violence has become interlocked with racial, religious and ethnic tensions. Although prominent monks in Ma-Ba-Tha may have taken it upon themselves to protect Buddhist women, she states that nothing has been done to address these women’s concerns. Moreover, the recent approval of a contentious set of four laws by the Parliament is far from aimed at the protection of women, but derives from deep rooted sexism, racism and gender discrimination in the culture. The paper describes current situations in rural villages and ethnic minority regions where physical and sexual violence is rife and women live under oppression and fear. She states her view that the enhanced religious sentiments in Myanmar’s recent transition era trade the rights of ethnic minorities in general and women in particular, creating further gender inequalities, discrimination, and violence.

Author

• Khin Mar Mar Kyi, Oxford University