Symbolic or substantive? Gender inclusivity in the governance of United League of Arakan/Arakan army in Arakan's liberated areas | |
| Author | Sann Sann Nwe |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.GD-25-02 |
| Subject(s) | Women--Political activity--Burma--Arakan State Sex discrimination--Burma--Arakan State |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This research critically examines gender inclusivity within the governance structures of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) in the liberated areas of Arakan, Myanmar. Drawing on feminist institutional theory and insurgent governance literature, the study employs a qualitative case study approach, utilizing semistructured interviews with ULA/AA leaders, policy analysts, civil society representatives, and women advocates, supplemented by analysis of governance documents and media discourse. The findings reveal that, although gender inclusivity is prominently featured in ULA/AA’s official rhetoric, its practical implementation remains largely symbolic. Women’s participation is predominantly limited to secondary roles in social and humanitarian sectors, with slight representation in decision-making or strategic governance positions. Structural barriers entrenched patriarchal norms, and the absence of formal institutional mechanisms further constrain substantive gender inclusion. Nevertheless, the research identifies emerging opportunities for progress, including local advocacy efforts, evolving political discourse, and the potential for policy learning from other ethnic armed organizations that have initiated gender-inclusive governance reforms. By exposing the gap between ideological commitments and actual practices, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of gender politics in conflict-affected and insurgent-led governance contexts. It argues for a reconceptualization of governance legitimacy that positions gender equity as foundational and offers actionable recommendations for institutional reforms to advance inclusive political transformation in Arakan. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Duanghathai Buranajaroenkij |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Thi, Phou Lai Nguyen |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | IDRC-K4DM2 Project;AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Research (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |