Annex C | Key GDD-Related Institutions and Agencies Annex C: Key GDD-Related Institutions and Agencies Key actors and mandate (as of December 2016) Strengths and progress toward closing GDD (policies/processes) Capacity gaps and obstacles to GDD reform National State Entities Presidential Cabinet Pinnacle of highly centralized formal political power hierarchy. No evident champions The only woman and arguably most powerful member of Cabinet, Aung San Sui Kyi, has both supported ICT skills training through her family foundation and lamented the negative influence of digital technologies on children Low women’s participation in peace process—only 13% of Panglong delegates in August 2016 were women, below CEDAW 30% target Peace and Security Council Renewed peace process (“21st century Panglong”) may close gaps in mobile network coverage and enable expansion of high speed internet connectivity country wide. Need data to link GDD and access to info to peace process. Need impact data on benefits of ICT uptake on poverty alleviation in Myanmar to cultivate champions and counterbalance historic examples of exile community using ICT to mobilize boycotts and divestiture campaigns against the regime. Unclear what if any role in reviewing or approving pending cyber security law. No incentive to close GDD Controls appointments to civil service via GAD (see below) and low capacity is major spoiler Tatmadaw Allowed tender for foreign telecom service providers, allowed local and parliamentary elections, allowed release of student protesters and other dissidents during NLD transition period in 2016. Retains veto power within hluttaw and control of three security-related ministries (Home Affairs, Border Affairs and Defense). Blocked 2015 VAW bill because “not a state issue.” Unclear what if any role in reviewing or approving pending Evidence of role in cyber attacks against independent media Increased gender diversity (13% female MPs) Mandate for decentralization and modernization Union Hluttaw Ministry of Home Affairs Tatmadaw bloc 25% Low capacity of new MPs and staff on GDD issues Potential champions via Amyotha (upper) Hluttaw fifteen member ad hoc Committee for Women’s and Children’s Rights (includes Chair Dr Mya Thaung and Secretary Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe) Unlikely that Pyithu (lower) Hluttaw ad hoc Committee for Transportation, Communications and Construction will focus on end user issues—subsuming telecommunications in this way indicates focus on infrastructure Union Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe Low capacity of administrative staff on GDD Potential to address understanding of GDD among regional as well as grassroots civil service through GAD (runs civil service for state and region governments and administers districts and townships) Staff appointed by the commander in chief rather than the president Civil servants are 38% female, but fewer at higher levels Many staff are former military or have familial or financial ties to the Tatmadaw and are well positioned to block the new administration’s reforms at local level, particularly those that threaten patronage networks or increase transparency like e-governance Ending the Gender Digital Divide in Myanmar: A Problem-Driven Political Economy Assessment | 97