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Technology: Friend or Foe for Women of Myanmar 1.1. The role of ICTs in development Around the world, information and communication technologies (ICTs) 1 are increasingly recognized for their potential to transform social, economic, and political life. There is little chance for countries or communities to develop without their incorporation into the information age. ICTs offer advantages of information sharing, storage, and communication; faster knowledge accumulation, dissemination, and application; and they also enable rapid and efficient transfer of financial and political information essential to the development process. The evolution of ICTs and their applications have reshaped working methods and brought new types of socio-economic and employment opportunities such as e-commerce; new types of education modalities, for instance, virtual learning and online training; and new channels for social awareness, mobilization, and information exchange. ICTs are powerful tools that can enhance coordination, networking, participation, and advocacy within society. While the role of ICTs in enhancing the quality of human life and social transformation is increasingly recognized, unfortunately it is also becoming clear that these benefits are unevenly distributed within societies as well as across the world. There are several factors that contribute to this inequality globally, most importantly: unequal access due to the inadequacy of telecommunication infrastructure and affordability; and differences in the knowledge/skills base including (digital) literacy. Within most societies, these differences are further exacerbated by structural inequalities: the digital gender divide makes women less likely to benefit from ICTs - a finding confirmed by the World Wide Web Foundation (2020) and, in the context of Myanmar, studies by GSMA Connected Women-LIRNEasia (2015) and IREX (2017). 1 “Information and communication technologies (ICTs) comprise a complex and heterogeneous set of goods, applications and services used to produce, distribute, process, and transform information. They include the outputs of industries as diverse as telecommunications, television and radio broadcasting, computer hardware and software, computer services and electronic media (e.g., the Internet, electronic mail, electronic commerce, and computer games).” (Marcelle, 2000) 9

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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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