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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar significant digital gender divide. Basic literacy and numeracy are prerequisites to digital literacy, but five decades of underinvestment in the education sector 3 have resulted in perpetuating the educational gap between men and women. The 2018 audit report also acknowledged that in Myanmar, sex-disaggregated statistics/data on internet use is almost impossible to find. 4 Moreover, gender issues are not articulated in the country’s existing internet-related legislations and policies such as the Universal Service Strategy 2018-2022 and National ICT Master Plan and E-government Master Plan 20162020. Much of the ICT usage data in Myanmar is based on gender disparities on mobile use, and unfortunately, there are no comprehensive studies that examine the scale and impact of the digital divide on gender equality (Urbano & Dickinson, 2016). Despite the limitations and difficulties of data collection, this study aims to offer some insights on recent trends with the help of on-the ground research using a methodology described in the next chapter. Methodology This report is based on qualitative and quantitative data collected through an online survey and key informant interviews (KII) with selected participants. Due to the ongoing situation and restrictions imposed by the de-facto authorities in Myanmar, all interviews were conducted online using the Zoom application. This online platform provided a convenient and accessible means of communication, enabled remote participation and ensured the safety and comfort of the participants. The interviews were scheduled and conducted throughout the month of February 2023. The selected KII participants are individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and positions selected to ensure a comprehensive range of perspectives. They are leaders of local non-governmental organizations, students and university teachers who are actively engaged in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), individuals leading online 14 3 During the military’s prior 50-years reign, the budgetary allocations for health and education ranged from 1 percent to 3 percent of GDP, compared to 20 percent to 30 percent for the military spending (2022). 4 The International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Development Dashboard on Myanmar relies on 2017 data on male/female internet use (2023).

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“Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar” Research

Report

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Language

English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Information Operation
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility
Internet Restrictions
Military Coup

Author(s)

Gender Equality Network (GEN)
Myanmar Internet Project (MIP)

Date Published: Apr 2, 2024

Abstract: This study on “Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar” serves as an introductory overview of the implications of the military’s digital repression on women’s rights and gender equality in Myanmar, while acknowledging and measuring the benefits ICTs have brought for women and women’s rights organizations in the country. Quantitative and qualitative data collection for the study was undertaken in February 2023 through an online survey and key informant interviews (KIIs). The survey was conducted via Google Forms and utilized the Convenience Sampling Method and Snowball Sampling Method to mitigate the security risks imposed on the participants - a total of 175 individuals. Twelve people working on women’s rights and digital rights in various capacities were interviewed for the KIIs to ensure a comprehensive range of perspectives.

The study’s main findings revealed that

i) there is a gender gap in mobile phone ownership and internet use;

ii) women from lower income households, women belonging to ethnic minorities and women from conflict-affected areas are at particular risk of digital exclusion;

(iii) ICTs have the potential to greatly enhance women’s rights organizations ability to create new values and to shape meanings, internalized beliefs and social norms;

iv) the military’s digital control exacerbates the risks of gender-based violence and disrupts women’s access to accurate and trustworthy information and life-saving services.

The study highlighted concerns about the impact of the junta’s violent campaign of terror against the pro-democracy movement as it stifles the voices of women online and reinforces a culture of fear and silence, perpetuates self-censorship, and reduces women’s political participation in digital spaces. Women human rights defenders and other activists depend on digital platforms for solidarity, networking and mobilization, hence online attacks mean they must find ways to mitigate digital risks to continue their work.

A series of recommendations are included in the study to facilitate the advocacy of the international community, donor agencies, telecommunications and technology companies operating in Myanmar and the democratically-elected government. The recommendations emphasize the need to pressure the military junta to immediately end internet and telecommunications shutdowns and to hold platforms accountable to minimize digital harms for women and girls in Myanmar.

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Technology - Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar.pdf
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