Vox Pop: Voices from Arakan State on Myanmar Women's Day

By Admin 04 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

4 July 2025, Sittwe

The administrative machinery of the Arakkha People's Government is taking shape in junta-free townships in Arakan State.

Although women participate in various fields and sectors of the Arakkha People's Government, there are those who note that women's participation in decision-making and leadership roles remains limited.

Women's activists called for a joint effort on Myanmar Women's Day, which falls on July 3, saying women are still woefully underrepresented in political positions of power, decision-making, and leadership.

Women, girls and activists in Arakan State shared their thoughts with DMG about what women need and what they should do to expand their representation in leadership roles.

A woman activist

A nation cannot be built by men alone. Women must be actively involved in nation-building and have free voices. If women's voices become less and less, it can be said that nation-building can be very difficult. It has very important implications for national development and sustainability. It can affect not only domestically but also in international relations.

Women's voices have been very weak in Arakan State for a long time. An authoritative government needs to transparently provide protection for women from threats and ensure their freedom of expression. This will help women see their power in every sector.

A young man

As far as we can see in the current period of Arakan State development, the role of women is very weak. We have not even heard of women leaders in the administration. We only see women in the health sector, as doctors and nurses, and in the administration. We have never seen women at the top of the administration.

An Arakanese woman

In this situation, women's participation and action requires both human resources and technology. Another thing is that women are facing many difficulties during this period. Most of the young, educated, and active women are no longer in the country.

Even if we support and implement something from afar, we are always under strict security and oppression. Women are going through a situation where they cannot do anything significant. All of this is the result of the oppression that has prevented activists from implementing anything in Arakan State in the past.

Women's participation is very important in building a nation. All women are mothers. Our society also understands that women are inherently kind and have a motherly spirit. Women can provide the most for a family to be healthy, disciplined, and united. This means that mothers who are well-adjusted, emotionally stable, and organised are invaluable to a society.

A male gender activist

Women in Arakan State face more insecurity in their lives than men do. These insecurities make it more difficult for women to participate in leadership roles in various fields.

Women's leadership roles in politics are also very limited. The United League of Arakan (ULA) needs to set policies and take practical steps to strengthen women's leadership.

In the social sector, there are very few women in leadership positions. There are very few charitable organisations led primarily by women. In CSOs and NGOs, there are women's organisations, but male-led CSOs are still more numerous and powerful. The entire community, including the Arakkha People's Government, needs to do more to ensure that women's voices are taken into account.

The lack of representation of women, who make up nearly 50 percent of the population, in important decision-making positions that affect the entire population of Arakan State should be viewed as a major injustice.

It is necessary to work on increasing women's participation and leadership roles as an important goal for the entire Arakanese community. Under the theme of Arakanese community development, it is the responsibility of the Arakkha People's Government and the entire Arakanese community to ensure those women's lives are not filled with poverty and neglect.

A female NGO worker

The lack of women-led action is due to discrimination against women, lack of trust, gender-unequal governance roles, and religious beliefs.

The opportunity for women to participate in various sectors increases their confidence and ability to do so. In addition, it is very important for women to participate in a country because it is necessary to integrate ideas different from men's in the development of a country.