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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar online, both in terms of at least one incident and multiple incidents. There was a 6.86% increase in respondents experiencing cyberstalking after the coup. 3.4.4. Motivation for online attacks on women Why do you think you were targeted by cyber attacks 2021 February ? (If applicable) 1.71% No Comment 14.86% No Experience Financial Fraud 0.57% Freedom of Expression Being a Woman 64.57% 17.14% Personal View on Internet Participating in online Campaings 0.00% 44.00% 16.00% 20.00% 40.00% 60.00% Figure 14: Motivation for online attacks on women after the coup There are various motivations for online attacks on women. 64.57% of respondents assumed that they were the target because of disclosing one’s belief, position, and views and 44% assumed it is because of the content they shared. These assumptions make it obvious that online attacks impact the online freedom of expression of women: 43.43% dealt with the situation by stopping to use the internet, and 45.14% dealt with it by self-censoring. There were very few respondents who tried to take legal action through consultation with legal services (2.29%). Others changed their behavior: stayed silent, changed social media platforms, or changed their names online. 47

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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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