Myanmar: Catholic Women, Nuns, respond to the revelation of violence, killing by military

The Ministry of Women, Youth and Child Affairs and the Ministry of Human Rights jointly released statement No. (4/2021) regarding the sexual assaults against ethnic women by the military forces on November 18.

The statement lists gang rapes, tortures, and killings committed by military soldiers.

The revelations upset people like Ms. Angela Phaung Pwar, a single woman in Myanmar.

“I was very angry with hearing the news about gang rape in Myanmar in front of parents and husband,” she said.

Ms. Phaung Pwar is glad that Karen Women Organization is working to end violence against women.

Ms. Emily Win, a married teacher in Myanmar, feels hurt that “even a pregnant woman was violated and murdered.

“It is not easy for women to become a mother,” Ms. Win said. “Now, it is not secure anymore for any woman.”

Catholic nuns also raise their voices for violence against women.

Sister  Mary Khaing Thin  proposed eight points to eliminate violence against women.  Sister Khaing, from Missionary Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul, is studying in the Philippines.

Eight points proposed by Sister Khaing involve legislation to protect the dignity of women, give women equal access to education as men, women’s participation in institutions, humanitarian justice for women, provide women the benefits of their quality, equal rights like men, protection of women’s rights and respect the dignity of women.

Sister Patricia May Oo Khaing from Missionary Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier suggests that men should cultivate respect, sympathy, and justice towards women to eradicate violence.

“It is necessary for men to be polite, mature, and humane,” said Sister Khaing.