Domestic Violence in Myanmar: “Women can only protect themselves when they are included in community decision-making”

Domestic violence in Myanmar is common, yet it is rarely reported. On International Women’s Day, Naw Mar Mar Cho describes what women face in remote, conflict-affected communities in southeastern Myanmar. Since 2012, she has directed the Thandaunggyi Women’s Group, which works on violence, leadership and exclusion. Community Partners International (CPI) supports its work.

How common is domestic violence in Myanmar?

Domestic violence in Myanmar was already widespread before the current crisis. The Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016 found that one in five ever-married women had experienced spousal violence. However, only a fifth of them sought help. In fact, more than a third never told anyone about it. Since then, conflict and instability have increased women’s and girls’ vulnerability. That raises the risk of domestic and gender-based violence. UN Women and UNFPA also report what Myanmar women themselves say. They see intimate partner violence as the most common form.

Naming domestic violence in Myanmar’s rural communities

Naw Mar Mar Cho, Director, Thandaunggyi Women’s Group

“I was born into a family of four daughters. As my parents were not “blessed” with a son, the community discriminated against us. But my sisters and I believed we could do anything men could. We tried harder than families who had sons. These experiences encouraged me to become a leader and support other women.”

“In the communities we serve, people often think domestic violence is normal. Women don’t dare speak up. I realized that we needed to make women aware that this is violence. So, we set up the Thandaunggyi Women’s Group in 2012 to help women, address violence, and support women’s leadership and safety.

Women can only protect themselves when they are included in community decision-making. But, because of cultural norms, women are excluded; not just here but across Myanmar.”

Building women’s belief in their own leadership

“Many women in our communities think only men can be leaders. We realized we needed to raise women’s awareness and belief in their leadership potential and build their capacity. We provide leadership training, connect women to other women leaders, and encourage women to believe in themselves. Confident women will put themselves forward for leadership positions even if others don’t promote them.

We raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence among women in rural areas and advocate for women’s inclusion. In the future, we plan to include men and community and religious leaders in these sessions.

In one instance, we helped a 13-year-old girl who was raped and became pregnant. We brought her to our safe house and helped her give birth safely. I felt so sad for her. If we don’t stand up for women and girls, they will continue to live without rights and suffer violence and abuse.”

What the conflict means for women and girls

“The situation of women and girls in Myanmar is worsening in the current conflict. Fear and the lack of security make them reluctant to step forward and lead. Displaced women and girls face even more significant challenges. They live in overcrowded camps and struggle to survive. It is a stressful and insecure life. We try to remain resilient and encourage them to persevere despite their challenges.”

A message to women facing exclusion

“To women facing exclusion and discrimination around the world, I’d like to urge them to come forward with self-confidence, regardless of the oppression they face. No matter the obstacles, let us be confident in ourselves. This is vital for women.”

Community Partners International supports the Thandaunggyi Women’s Group in southeastern Myanmar. Today, that support covers primary health care clinics, community outreach services and safe houses for women and girls.