Gender and Development in Myanmar

Jun 17, 2020 | European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes
Online
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Myanmar faces enormous development challenges in the midst of a rapidly changing and uncertain political and economic landscape. The European Journal of Development Research is pleased to present a special issue on development challenges in Myanmar. In this webinar, we draw on the findings of two papers within the special issue, examining gender in Myanmar.

Myanmar’s introduction of competitive elections after decades of military rule raised expectations for progress in economic and social development, including in the area of women’s rights. Prof Htun will draw on data from national surveys, interviews, and existing qualitative studies to explore public opinion on women’s rights and gender equality. Do Burmese people support gender equality? How are their views on gender related to other aspects of political culture, such as traditional values and views toward authoritarianism and democracy?

Dr Elisabeth Olivius will explore the gendered dynamics of Myanmar’s post-war economic reforms through an analysis of women’s experiences of development in Kayah (Karenni) state. In Myanmar, ceasefires and a reduction of armed violence combined with state-driven economic liberalization reforms are conditioned by, but also contribute to remake, gendered relations of power, privilege and marginalization. While new land legislation and development projects have contributed to loss of land and livelihoods among rural populations in general, Elisabeth will demonstrate that women living in conflict-affected border areas are disproportionally affected.

Who: European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes

Where: Online

When: 17 June 2020  Time: 4:00 PM ET