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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar 3.5.1. Participation of women in online campaigns for political and social change After the February 2021 military coup, people in Myanmar tried to seek freedom from the oppression of the military dictatorship in different ways. Among these efforts, social media campaigns not only supported the anti-coup movement, but also helped funding efforts via ‘click-to-donate’ campaigns. 60.57% Click to Donate 82.29% Profile Campaign Social Media Hastag Campaign 51.43% Sharing Campaign Information Online 66.29% Online Enagement and On-Ground Participation 76.57% Lead the Campaign 0.57% Staying Low Profile According to Local Context 0.57% Did not Involve 0.00% 4.00% 25.00% 50.00% 75.00% Figure 17: Participation of women in online campaigns for political and social change Running campaigns for political and social change is an important aspect of the restoration of democracy. For this reason, the research team tried to understand the interest and participation of women in these campaigns. According to the survey, 96% of respondents actively engaged in these campaigns at least once, while only 4% did not participate at all. 82.28% of respondents engaged in ‘profile campaigns’ (e.g. changing the user’s Facebook profile photo or adding a support message to it), which represents the highest participation rate among all campaign types. Additionally, 76.57% of respondents participated in ‘offline’ silent strikes and related online campaigns. 66.29% of respondents contributed to sharing campaign information online. About three-fifths 52

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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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