Students' union working to boost ethnic women's roles in Arakan State

By Admin 28 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

28 July 2025, Sittwe

The Arakan Students' Union is reportedly carrying out capacity-building activities to enhance the role of ethnic women in Arakan State.

The Arakan Students' Union says it is working to strengthen the participation of ethnic women in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and socio-economic development in the reconstruction of Arakan State.

"Since the previous military regimes, women and ethnic groups have not been allowed to participate in various fields. Under the Arakkha people's government, we will do a lot to ensure that women are included in the workforce, given opportunities and given responsibility," said a member of the steering committee of the Arakan Students' Union.

On July 24, the Arakan Students' Union's Ethnic Affairs Committee and Women's Affairs Committee jointly held a discussion and gave educational lectures on the rights of ethnic women and the empowerment of ethnic women.

"As women, we are lagging behind in everything from education to economics," said an ethnic Mro woman from Maungdaw Township. "In education, there are many women who feel that if they can read a little, they will be successful. Therefore, if we can fully create educational opportunities for women and enhance their capabilities, more women will participate in all fields."

The Arakan Students' Union notes that the participation of ethnic women in Arakan State society is increasing, but is still weak.

Women's activists say that ethnic women should be empowered and given more opportunities to enhance their participation.

"If ethnic women are to be involved in all areas of nation-building, they need to be given opportunities not only in social aspects but also in key leadership roles. I would like to urge the Arakkha people's government to formulate and implement a policy that will examine who can do what and bring them together," said a women's activist in Arakan State.

The Arakan Army (AA), which has seized most of the territory in Arakan State, is accelerating reconstruction work in the areas it controls, including in the administrative, judicial, healthcare, and education sectors, and regional development.

A diverse array of peoples call Arakan State home, including several ethnic groups as well as Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.