Compared to many countries, the virus has been slow to gain a proper foothold in Myanmar. As of mid-May 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sport website reported 181 cases of COVID-19 and 6 deaths nationwide. Although Myanmar has not officially detected a high number of active cases, the virus has already wreaked havoc on the economy and society as a whole. International financial institutions expect a slight decline in the GDP growth rate, but this can change dramatically if COVID-19 becomes widespread, causing severe disruptions and panic reactions. Should policy makers anticipate the worst-case scenario and prepare timely responses? Are the current responses hitting the mark?
In 2020, the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap continues to find the largest gender disparity is—once again—the Political Empowerment gap. While countries across the board are making efforts to reduce the gap, Myanmar is behind all countries in ASEAN. Despite having successful and highly visible women across all sectors of the economy from the garment industry to education. Few Myanmar women are present in politics.
Myanmar is home to several minority ethnic groups seeking political, economic, cultural, and social recognition. In these pursuits, conflict has erupted and sustained for decades–as one of the world’s longest–manifesting in a variety of forms. Within these conflicts, the gendered impacts are multi-faceted and disproportionately tolling upon women and girls. As Myanmar heads to the polls again this year, violence could again re-emerge, keeping in mind that “Gender inequities exacerbate experiences of conflict, and responses that do not incorporate gender analysis exacerbate inequities”.
Linking science with policy is difficult in countries with top universities and well-funded research programs, but what about in developing countries?
In this Asia Research News Podcast, we delve into Doing Research in Myanmar: a systematic study of how social science research is produced, distributed and used in the country. We hear from the Global Development Network, the international organization leading this effort, and the Centre for Economic and Social Development, a think tank in Myanmar, which together have just released their report findings.
Listen in to learn about some of the highlights from the report, and hear those involved speak about it directly. We cover some of the key challenges and recommendations for social science in Myanmar and ensuring it informs policy in the evolving democracy.
Check out these related articles about GDN and IDRC’s work in the Asia Research News magazine:
Finding levers of change Highlights findings from Doing Research assessments in Myanmar, Bolivia, Indonesia and Nigeria.
Sparking change through research Social scientists in Myanmar seeking to understand the factors that influence women’s participation in politics and the economy are finding that, before they can study, first they must inform.
Increasing gender equality in an evolving democracy Researchers on the ground in Myanmar are investigating how women can get more involved in policymaking to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met as the nation embraces democracy.
June 17, 2020. Dr. Alex Pelletier & Dr. Jacques Bertrand.
Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution established a more decentralized structure, with partially elected sub-national governments with new financial and administrative functions. Since the 2011 transition and the 2015 civilian-led rule, the Myanmar government continues the working with the 2008 Constitution–rather than replacing it—while pledging to decentralize key areas of policy to local and state governments. As the 2020 election looms now in the horizon, it is time to take stock of how decentralization has advanced in the country.
What is the role of political representation by ethnic parties in a multi-ethnic state? What is the role of women as part of a society-wide transformation?
The government of Myanmar and the Ethnic Armed Organizations are key parties to a formal Peace Process. They are negotiating ‘basic federal as well as democratic’ principles for the country. In October 2015, all parties agreed that these principles would constitute the Union Accord, the basis to amend all laws–including the 2008 Constitution. Under the current government (2015-2020), no major constitutional change has taken place. The Peace Process remains the most plausible path to amend the constitution, end the armed conflict and lead to a multi-ethnic, federal and democratic Myanmar.
Migrant workers are heroes of Myanmar’s economy, but are facing extreme challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myanmar’s Centre for Economic and Social Development recommends policies to address the crisis. Video created in English and Myanmar to promote a CESD survey on Facebook.
Produced by Asia Research News with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative.
A team of young researchers, publishing anonymously, carried out a series of focus group discussions and key informant interviews in Aug-Oct 2021, to understand youth conceptions of ‘freedom of expression’ in the online world, and how this was being […]
Linking science with policy is difficult in countries with top universities and well-funded research programs, but what about in developing countries? In this Asia Research News Podcast, we delve into Doing Research in Myanmar: a systematic study of how […]
Migrant workers are heroes of Myanmar’s economy, but are facing extreme challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myanmar’s Centre for Economic and Social Development recommends policies to address the crisis. Video created in English and Myanmar to promote a CESD […]
October 27, 2020. It is now 25 years since the UN World Conference on Women was held in Beijing (1995). This meeting of global leaders spurred an unprecedented push for gender equality in a number of areas. Specifically, the […]
Over the last decade, Myanmar’s transition to democracy has faced multiple milestones and challenges. The country observed its first free elections in 2015. As Myanmar just comes out of its second democratic election this fall, the turbulence unleashed by […]
November 3, 2020. In Myanmar, despite limited moves towards decentralisation over the last decade, formal legal, policy-making and budgetary powers remain highly centralised at the union level. However, in practice, decision making at ward/village tract and village level has […]
IDRC’s Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative launched its second phase in Bangkok with a Knowledge Marketplace that brought together partners and stakeholders concerned about research and higher education in Myanmar. This story is featured in the Asia Research News 2023 magazine. If you would like to receive regular research news, In November 2022, the IDRC’s…
A team of young researchers, publishing anonymously, carried out a series of focus group discussions and key informant interviews in Aug-Oct 2021, to understand youth conceptions of ‘freedom of expression’ in the online world, and how this was being affected by the country’s chaotic political environment. In addition to the narrative report, three small creative…
Tea Circle is a forum for new perspectives on Myanmar, highlighting analysis, research, opinions, book reviews, multi-media presentations and other types of submissions from a global community of contributors. Read the latest updates at teacircleoxford.com and email the editors to submit your post at editor@teacircleoxford.com or teacircleoxford@protonmail.com.
The report series seeks to enhance Myanmar’s knowledge development and promote academic dialogue within South East Asia.Published by International Development Research Centre’s (IDRC), Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar Program (K4DM) and Chiang Mai University’s Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development. Download the free reports: https://rcsd-cmu.bookcaze.com/
The Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) has produced a beautiful photo essay, highlighting 16 case studies from their research to identify factors affecting women’s economic, political and social empowerment.Watch the videos in English, Burmese and French and read the Report.
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https://youtu.be/2dVtYOavI-4 Tea Circle is a forum for new perspectives on Myanmar, highlighting analysis, research, opinions, book reviews, multi-media presentations and...
https://youtu.be/AomBRyxJRII The Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) has produced a beautiful photo essay, highlighting 16 case studies from their research to...
October 29, 2020 The World Economic Forum's 2020 Global Gender Gap Report assesses women's empowerment across four dimensions: Economic Participation...
March 25, 2023