Incidents of physical violence against women during the post-coup conflict has doubled compared to the pre-coup period, said Maw Phray Myar, Chairperson of the Karenni Women’s Organization (KNWO).
“Since the armed conflict, incidents of physical violence have escalated. Previously, there were approximately 20-30 incidents, but now that number has doubled. Some individuals come directly to us for services, while others receive our services remotely, wherever they are located.” said Maw Phray Myar.
She added that this increase is due to the organization’s current inability to fully address cases through legal channels, and among the rising cases, domestic violence is the most prevalent.
“Physical violence is the most common form of domestic violence. Some victims have been beaten so severely that their vision was impaired, and others have sustained injuries such as broken bones. Some individuals no longer have their former physical health due to the violence. KNWO also offers psychological treatment for victims of violence,” said Maw Phray Myar.
“We try to know their feelings as much as we can. We try to know their difficulties and desires. We meet those who make complaints and devise the plan. After staying with them every day, we offer counselling service to them,” said Maw Phray Myar.
In order to mitigate violence during the interim period, the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC) has established the Women and Children Affairs Department and is taking steps to bring cases to court, said IEC Secretary (1) U Ba Nyar.
“In the current situation, the Legal Adviser’s Office at our Department of Justice is still in the process of strengthening, which means there are still some weaknesses. However, this is a process. There is a frame of the Women and Children Affairs Department. And the Karenni State Police (KSP) is extending a helping hand. In addition, the Department of Justice is also providing necessary legal advice. This is the process that the whole IEC is doing,” said U Ba Nyar.
KNWO received more than 300 complaints between 2019 and June 2024. In the current period, the participation of women at lower levels has strengthened, but their representation in decision-making roles has not yet reached 30 percent.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times