International Women’s Day: “In the communities we serve, people often think domestic violence is normal.”

On International Women’s Day, we hear from Naw Mar Mar Cho, Director of the Thandaunggyi Women’s Group, about the challenges facing women in remote and conflict-affected communities in southeastern Myanmar and how her organization is helping push back against gender-based and domestic violence and exclusion.

Domestic violence is a recognized and under-reported problem in Myanmar. The Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016 found that one in five ever-married women had experienced spousal violence. However, only a fifth sought help, and more than a third never told anyone about it. The current crisis has worsened the situation. Conflict and instability have increased women’s and girls’ vulnerability and heightened the risk of domestic and gender-based violence.

“Women can only protect themselves when they are included in community decision-making.”

“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.

“If we don’t stand up for women and girls, they will continue to live without rights and suffer violence and abuse.”

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.
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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.

“No matter the obstacles, let us be confident in ourselves.”

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.

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.”
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Community Partners International supports the Thaundaunggyi Women’s Group to operate primary health care clinics, community outreach services, and safe houses for women and girls in southeastern Myanmar.