An interview with the spokesperson of the Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) about the aim of holding their first forum and the difficulties and challenges facing the women of Ta’ang during amid the armed conflict
The Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) held its first forum for two days on 28 and 29 March at Namtu Town Hall in northern Shan State.
The women’s forum in Namtu, which is controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), was attended by 146 female representatives from Ta’ang civil society organizations, the Ta’ang Literature and Culture Committee and village anti-violence committees from Namhsan, Mantong, Kutkai, Muse, Namhkam, Kyaukme, Namtu and Momeik Townships.
The TWO declared in its statement on 31 March that it condemns the marginalization of women in leadership and decision-making roles and will fight against patriarchy to achieve gender equality.
The Shan News conducted this interview with the TWO spokesperson to learn more about the aim of organizing the first Ta’ang women’s forum and the challenges and difficulties faced by Ta’ang women amid the armed conflict.
Q: Please tell us about the main purpose of the Ta’ang Women’s Forum event.
A: The main objectives of the forum are: (1) to increase women’s participation in all decision-making roles, including political roles, (2) to find ways to identify and alleviate harmful traditional practices against Ta’ang women across the region, (3) to build networks among Ta’ang women in different locations, and (4) to develop gender equality policies based on the outcomes of the forum.
Q: What challenges are women facing under the current political circumstances?
A: Given the current political situation, women are facing problems such as lack of security, increasing violence and difficulties in reporting and accessing temporary shelters. There are also harmful traditional practices that endanger Ta’ang women, such as the expulsion of unmarried pregnant women from the village and discrimination.
Q: I noticed that TWO has been collecting information on the ground in the midst of the conflict. Recently, the organization managed to hold its forum in Namtu. What are the challenges and difficulties faced by Ta’ang women in this context?
A: There are many challenges in carrying out the activities. During the field work, they face the danger of landmine explosions and explosive remnants of war. We have security concerns and face transportation and connectivity difficulties as internet and phone connections are frequently disrupted. As the military junta has imposed martial law in the Namhsan, Mantong and Namtu Townships, the situation on the ground is not entirely safe, so we have to be very careful in our operations.
Q: What efforts is TWO making to promote peaceful coexistence between the different ethnic groups in the region?
A: We work together with other ethnic women’s organizations. We also offer trainings that are open to all ethnic groups.
Q: During “Operation 1027”, the TNLA has currently managed to occupy some towns. Nevertheless, it has not yet been able to introduce a civilian-led administrative model, such as the Interim Executive Council (IEC) in Karenni State. Given the current political situation, how do you intend to push the transition to a civilian-led administrative model?
A: We are also monitoring the situation closely. The circumstances in Karenni State and Shan State are very different. In Shan State, there are many Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs). Since the military junta has imposed martial law in some areas, the security situation is still unclear. So I can’t give a final answer. However, we plan to advocate for the establishment of a civilian-led administrative model.
Sent by Shan News