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Participate in decision making that affects their lives
Hold governments to account.
Women’s right to freedom of expression and information is, however, under constant attack.
Discriminatory practices in society dissuade and prevent women from searching for
information, speaking out, and participating in decision making. Women who do use these
rights are punished by society and punished by governments, often by those very people and
institutions supposed to defend and support them. Women who do not speak out often keep
quiet because they fear retaliation, shame, or exclusion.
On the other hand, political leaders emphasise ‘traditional values’ and as a result defend
patriarchal structures. Stereotypes repeated by the media lock women into particular gender
roles and responsibilities. Sexist speech on social media insults and degrades women.
Claims of immorality are used against women facing gender-based violence.
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ARTICLE 19 - Censored gender: Women’s right to freedom of expression and information in Myanmar - Page 2