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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar “COVID-19 and the subsequent military coup severely limits and restricts the income of women with disabilities and their families. They are the first in layoffs which makes it extremely difficult to plan coping strategies. They are less likely to be able to afford expensive mobile phones, top-ups, and extensive internet packages. They need to conserve their limited earnings for their safety and mobility, so the ICTs devices and connectivity costs are outside the financial reach of many women with disabilities.” (KII_07, a woman advocating for disability inclusion) 3.1.5. Purpose of internet use Business Purpose 21.14% 72.57% Communication 69.71% To Search News 73.71% Online Education 82.29% knowledge Purpose 42.86% Entertainment 65.71% To Use Social Media 0.00% 25.00% 50.00% 75.00% 100.00% Figure 4: Purpose of internet use The survey found that the use of the internet for business purposes was the least common - only 21.14% of the respondents engaged in business activities online. In contrast, internet use for knowledge and entertainment is the highest at 82.29% of the respondents. Almost 70% of respondents use the internet to access news and 72.57% for communication purposes via Voice Over IP (VOIP) platforms such as Messenger, Viber, Telegram and Signal, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). 25

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

Report

Preview

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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