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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar Executive Summary Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are powerful tools that can enhance coordination, networking, participation and advocacy within society and the quality of human life. Unfortunately, the benefits of ICTs are not evenly distributed due to several factors such as inadequacy of telecommunication infrastructure, affordability and differences in knowledge/skills including digital literacy. These differences are further exacerbated by structural inequalities and the digital gender divide making women less likely to benefit from ICTs. Systematic gender biases are evident in three ways: i) women are rarely involved in the needs assessment of ICTs for development; ii) attitudes that high-end information technology is ‘not for women’ who are still “consumers” or passive recipients of information and not seen to be information users/communicators; and (iii) there is considerable delay in addressing the limitations faced by women in accessing information (Hambly, 2005). These factors have been proven to be true for women in Myanmar, as well. According to the 2018 digital gender gap audit report of the Myanmar ICT for Development Organization (MIDO, 2018), women in Myanmar were 28% less likely to own a mobile phone than men. The audit also acknowledged the limitations of understanding the digital gender divide in Myanmar, as sex-disaggregated statistics/data on internet use was, and still is, almost impossible to find, and gender issues have not been articulated in the country’s internet-related legislations and policies. 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. 6

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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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