International Human Rights Day: Reflections from Burma

Last month I witnessed the remarkable elections: this was a historic turning point in the country’s long road towards democracy. Although it has only been one month since Burmese citizens used their right to vote, I hope we are approaching another turning point in Burma, one where all rights are protected and promoted. As well as civil and political rights, these include economic, social and cultural rights. And in particular, I want to highlight the importance of women’s rights.

Today, on 10 December, we observe Human Rights Day. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Human rights are an integral pillar of modern day democracies and protect many of the fundamental freedoms we enjoy. Today we often see human rights enshrined in many international and national doctrines, constitutions and laws. Therefore, people often assume women’s rights are secure. But advocacy for women’s basic rights remains an urgent issue in many places around the world, including in Burma.

Significant strides have been taken in the past century to level the playing field for both genders. We’ve achieved many tangible things in the fight for gender equality and strengthening women’s rights. But despite equal access to Facebook and Instagram, there are still injustices women face on a daily basis.

In Burma, while women achieve higher levels of education than men, they find it harder to find jobs. Women are poorer than men and are paid less for the same work. Poverty and food insecurity increases women’s vulnerability to violence.

I have seen how women’s organisations are pushing hard for a national conversation about the need for greater participation in the political processes, including the Peace Process, as well as ensuring there is strong domestic legislation to protect women’s rights. Progress will need commitment and cooperation from government (including the military), parliament, and civil society organisations.

Many important steps have been taken recently. It was positive to see the number of women who contested seats the November elections increased, and there are now 148 women elected at all levels of government. In the judiciary, women judges outnumber men by 570 to 558. This is progress, women’s voices are louder, but this is not enough. Particularly in the peace process, women’s voices need to be heard.

My hope is that women will be central to the political transition in Burma. There will be no real political transition without participation and inclusion of women.

Raise awareness on gender equality and women’s rights is still a challenge. The debate is about equal representation in politics, eliminating the gender pay gap, ensuring women have access to equal opportunities as their male counterparts, prevention of gender based violence, and much more. These are shared issues and the struggle for enduring change continues in Manchester just as it does in Mandalay.