Feminism in Myanmar Aye Lei Tun, La Ring and Su Su Hlaing Feminism in Myanmar August 2019 Contents Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. VI Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... VII Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... VIII Historical Period 1900–1990 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 The role of women in student protests, labour strikes and media movements for independence .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Women’s participation in public administration and politics pre- and post-independence ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Militarization and the feminist subjectivities in State building post-independence ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 The challenges of feminists in State building after independence ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Contemporary Period 1990 to present ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 The rise of women’s organizations from the grass roots under militarization ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Contemporary’s feminist movements and achievements ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Changes in women’s status in other cross-cutting issues .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Influencing factors on women’s political decision-making ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 The coalition among feminists and expanding the network ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Challenges and limitations .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Innovative approaches to promote women’s rights ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Conclusion 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