Violence against women topped the list of more than 40 cases reported to the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC)’s Department of Women and Children in 2024, according to IEC Deputy Head Maw Thae Mar.
“”Based on the reported cases, domestic violence is the most prevalent, followed by rape. The remaining cases involve sexual exploitation and physical harm. These are the cases that were reported to us over the past year,” said Maw Thae Mar.
The IEC’s Department of Women and Children is addressing these cases in cooperation with the Karen State Police (KSP). They are also working alongside other civil society organizations working for women’s affairs, Maw Thae Mar added.
Ko Bo Bo, Spokesperson of KSP, said: “There have been cases of violence against young girls. For these cases, we collaborate with other women organizations on the ground, as well as with local organizations like Karenni National Women’s Organization (KNWO). We are doing our best to connect these women with all the CSOs and NGOs.”
According to women’s rights activists, cases of violence against women in Karenni have increased following the military coup.
“To protect women, it is crucial to urgently enact laws that can safeguard them in order to eliminate violence against women. The government must ensure the proper functioning of the judicial mechanism and effectively and extensively enforce the rule of law,” Maw Thae Mar added.
Between 2021 and October 2024, there were 101 cases of physical violence against women, 65 cases of psychological violence, 14 cases of sexual violence and 14 rape cases in Karenni State, according to the KNWO.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times
