Ethnic women's participation in the interim ethnic governing body : a case study of Chin women's political participation in the post-coup setting | |
| Author | Eaint Khaing Oo |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-25-02 |
| Subject(s) | Burma--Politics and government--2011-2021 Women--Political activity--Burma |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study explores the political participation of Chin women in interim ethnic governing bodies following the 2021 coup in Myanmar. By examining the roles, representation, and challenges Chin women face, this thesis highlights the intersection of gender and ethnicity within political frameworks. Furthermore, historical and contemporary contexts of women's political participation in Myanmar are scrutinized, focusing on structural and cultural barriers. Analyzing the data collected from primary and secondary sources, especially in-depth and key informant interviews, the study presents a nuanced understanding of the role of women in politics. Furthermore, drawing on the Demand-Supply Framework and intersectional approach, this thesis identifies key factors that influence their engagement in political activities. In that process, it enriches scholarly discussions on how intersecting identities, such as age, education, marital status, and professional background, shape political participation. Additionally, the findings contribute to the discourse on symbolic versus substantive representation, highlighting how token inclusion without genuine decision-making power creates an illusion of gender equality while sustaining marginalization. It also builds on Mutraw's (2024) critique of revolutionary organizations' inconsistent commitment to gender equality, showing how security priorities can undermine gender-responsive governance. The findings reveal significant gaps between policy commitments and implementation regarding women's participation in Chin’s interim governing bodies. Despite constitutional commitments to gender equality, practical implementation remains limited, with women often relegated to traditional support roles.The study identifies both progress and persistent challenges, emphasizing the need for genuine gender-transformative policies that ensure women's meaningful participation in decision-making and leadership roles. This research also aims to contribute to the broader discourse on gender equality and inclusive governance by proposing actionable recommendations for enhancing women's political representation and participation in Chin State. Ultimately, the study highlights how ethnic minority women would be empowered and a more equitable political environment would be promoted. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Doneys, Philippe |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Ahmad, Mokbul M. |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |