Gendered experiences of land confiscation in Myanmar: Insights from eastern Bago Region and Kayin State

ABSTRACTED FROM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The aim of this report is to improve understanding of how to mainstream gender sensitivity into actions that seek to support communities to address land confiscations. It presents the synthesis of two two-day workshops with a group of 12 men and 12 women affected by land confiscations from Taungoo and Htantabin townships in eastern Bago Region and Thandaunggyi Township in Kayin State. Therefore, it is important to note that the small sample may not necessarily be representative of gendered experiences of land confiscation elsewhere in Myanmar. These areas have, to varying degrees, been impacted by armed conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs). For participants from these areas the impact of land confiscation is often felt even more acutely. The workshops examined gendered experiences of land confiscation, its different impacts on men and women, and the ways in which men and women attempt to resolve land disputes. The workshops were organised by Hser Mu Htaw, a civil society organisation operating in eastern Bago Region and Kayin State. Most of the workshop participants were involved in activities to find redress for their land cases. This report also draws on relevant literature to substantiate findings.