Female candidates in the Myanmar election
Many female candidates in Myanmar’s upcoming election still face pressure not to run from concerned husbands and family members. Those who eventually gained support or decided to run regardless have been subjected to gender-based insults, rumours and political attacks, with some women fearing for their safety.
This is reflective of an urgent need to address negative attitudes toward women and girls in Myanmar. “Our society still cannot come to terms with the fact that women can also play a leadership role,” said May Sabai Phyu, director of Gender Equality Network Myanmar.
Despite this, Toe Nandar Tin, a candidate running in the Yangon constituency, has expressed confidence in her abilities and did not feel troubled by negative gender stereotypes.