8. Women Discourage Women from Participating in Village Affairs

“There are only men in the administrative sector; there are no women. Since ancient times, men have taken the role of village head, so women are not concerned with administration. They are also restricted from leaving the village. Only men can be nominated for positions in the administration. Nowadays, women take leading roles at the community level, even though they are not in village administration.”

Overlook to Kyae Dwin Gone Tea Fields, Pindaya Township, December 2019

Daw Pyone Ye is a community leader and Dhamma schoolteacher in her Danu village. She is also trying to start a women’s self-help group and produce coffee. She often attends workshops and trainings, as she is invited by organizations who are aware of her involvement in village development. In turn, she invites and encourages young women to attend capacity building trainings to expand their knowledge.

According to Daw Pyone Ye, most women do not ‘speak out’ during village meetings and are not knowledgeable about other organizations implementing projects in the village. Previously, women were not allowed to attend meetings and had to stay at home. Currently, more women attend meetings and discuss village affairs.

In spite of these changes, Daw Pyone Ye has received criticism from her elder sister. Specifically, her sister criticized her for participating in a meeting at night, including men. The meeting was regarding her future plans for coffee production. Her sister sarcastically taunted her about talking with men (some of whom had been drinking) after 10:30pm at night. Her elder sister mentioned that she “would die from being ashamed” due to people’s criticism. She tried to stop her younger sister from doing development work. However, Daw Pyone Ye has continued actively participating in village affairs.

In the context of her Danu community, Daw Pyone Ye also noted that traditionally women do not take a leading role in village administration. Women’s knowledge of village affairs is still limited. Regardless, more women are taking interest in village affairs, and there is room for growth.

“There are only men in the administrative sector; there are no women. Since ancient times, men have taken the role of village head, so women are not concerned with administration. They are also restricted from leaving the village. Only men can be nominated for positions in the administration. Nowadays, women take leading roles at the community level, even though they are not in village administration.”