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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar On February 1, 2023, some private photos acquired by accessing the mobile phones of arrested women had been distributed through SAC’s stooge lobby accounts. This is another example of online attacks targeting women that occur in various ways including online harassment, identity theft, distribution of personal data online, cyberstalking, sharing sexually inappropriate information, and committing financial fraud. Online violence against women in Myanmar is linked to what is happening on the ground. According to FEM’s 2022 statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, over 300 women and girls lost their lives due to the military’s violations and killings. At least 17 were raped and killed and at least 111 were shot and killed, many while protesting against the coup and others while protecting the protesters. According to the statement, at least 40 were killed while being held in detention by the military and 20 were burned alive. These incidents portray some of the worst atrocities committed against women since the coup. While the interviewees see digital spaces as powerful areas for promoting women’s empowerment, they also recognize the negative implications of ICT use for women such as exposure to online harassment, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. The distribution of NCIIs by ex-partners are repeatedly mentioned by interviewees in this context as most NCII cases are highly gendered with the survivors being predominantly women and girls whose images are shared on multiple platforms without their consent or knowledge, and the perpetrators are most commonly men. One women’s rights activist remarked that these non-consensually shared sexually explicit images and videos not only hurt the targeted woman or girl, but maintain male domination on a societal level. Another male interviewee added that human traffickers and labor brokers have moved their businesses to social media, and they are using these platforms as tools in the prostitution and trafficking of women, girls, and minorities. He also emphasized the importance of CSOs taking proactive measures on these issues, for instance, by raising awareness on women’s trafficking and safe migration. 43

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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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