Priorities for action were ● 58% improved regulation ● 24% public education ● 11% capacity building for government Session 1 was titled ‘[Thumbs up] or [Thumbs down]? A review of free speech online in 2018’. The panelists consisted of advocacy groups, government representatives and Figure 8 Priorities for government to address to ensure FoE online in 2019, MDRF 2019 technologists. This session highlighted occurrences of stifling free speech and expression. This included a number of laws that are being used to repress internet freedom, including the new Citizens Privacy and Security Law. It was also mentioned that violations in internet freedom are not unique to Myanmar but are exacerbated by the transitional process and a lack of media literacy. CSOs were encouraged to be vigilant about abuses of governmental power and to address disinformation. It was stressed that law reforms continue to be very weak, green papers are non-existent, and the government holds very few consultations with civil society on these matters. Session 2’s title was ‘Shut up girl, it's too sensitive!’ and the panel consisted of gender related advocacy groups, parliamentarians and CSOs. This discussion followed the launch of a report, “Daring to defy Myanmar’s patriarchy”, and centered on human rights defenders. It was stated that all human rights defenders face risks but women human rights defenders also face genderbased violence too, particularly those working on so-called “sensitive” gender issues. Moreover, risks faced by women human rights defenders are exacerbated by Myanmar’s culture of patriarchy, militarization, and religious extremism. Women human rights defenders and politicians face gender-based attacks when they speak out online, including harassment and abuse, usually sexual in nature. Despite all of this, there has been no progress on a draft Violence Against Women Law which has been languishing within government. 18