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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar “When men have been doxed, they only get their personal information such as legal name, address and non-sexual materials published. Many women who speak out about gender inequality or are disliked by misogynistic or the military-ultranationalist groups are doxed. Doxxing targeting women often focus on their sexuality, private information and conversation. Due to patriarchal gender norms that place restrictions on women’s sexuality, doxxing can lead to these women being harmed. Once a person’s personal information is made public, the harassers can show up at their doorstep, threaten their life or send threats to their phone, email address or social media accounts. Doxxing silences the voices of women online and violates their freedom of expression.” (KII_08, a woman digital rights activist and privacy advocate) She also emphasized that women human rights defenders face rape threats and death threats online, particularly when they are speaking out or writing about equality issues or women’s rights violations. Overall, this means that women are frightened of speaking out online and these threats reinforce the culture of silence. “There are still no strategies to prevent technology-facilitated genderbased violence. At present, online GBV cases are increasing but there are few mechanisms available for reporting these abuses. The police and judicial systems lack the ability to effectively respond to these cases. The support services for online GBV victim-survivors can only provide legal information but not the prosecution.” (KII_10, a woman legal aid lawyer) 3.5. Freedom of expression The internet shutdowns, restrictions and increasing digital surveillance that followed the February 2021 military coup left their mark on the telecom sector in Myanmar. Fully foreign-owned companies such as Telenor and Ooredoo withdrew their investments and permanently left the country. “Further deterioration of the situation and recent developments in Myanmar form the basis for the decision to divest the company” announced Telenor on 7 July 2021. 49

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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.

Primary Documents

Technology - Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar.pdf
English
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