Women in Burma
A Burmese woman in traditional garb, c. 1920.
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| Gender Inequality Index | |
|---|---|
| Value | 0.437 (2012) |
| Rank | 80th |
| Maternal mortality (per 100,000) | 200 (2010) |
| Women in parliament | 4.0% (2012) |
| Females over 25 with secondary education | 18.0% (2010) |
| Women in labour force | 75.0% (2011) |
| Global Gender Gap Index | |
| Value | NR (2012) |
| Rank | NR out of 144 |
Historically, women in Myanmar (also known as Burma) have had a unique social status in Burmese society. According to the research done by Daw Mya Sein, Burmese women "for centuries – even before recorded history" owned a "high measure of independence" and had retained their "legal and economic rights" despite the influences of Buddhism and Hinduism. Burma once had a matriarchal system that includes the exclusive right to inherit oil wells and the right to inherit the position as village head. Burmese women were also appointed to high offices by Burmese kings, can become chieftainesses and queens.
The htamein (ထမီ [tʰəmèɪɴ]) is one of the traditional dresses of Burmese women. This skirtcloth or lower body wrapper was worn by women during the Konbaung Dynasty (1752–1855) as a wrap-around skirt, or sometimes as a folded clothing material placed "tightly across the abdomen slightly left center of the waist". In comparison, Burmese men wore the traditional lower garment known as the pahso (ပုဆိုး [pəsʰó]).
Marriages were previously allowed between Burmese women and male foreigners provided that the divisional courts in Burma were informed within 21 days of advance notice. However, in May 2010, the government of Burma disallowed conducting of marriage ceremonies between Burmese women and male foreigners. One of the suggested reasons was to avoid human trafficking. Burmese women become victims of human traffickers and traded for the sex industry in Pakistan and Thailand.
To some extent, arranged marriages was also a part of Burmese tradition, however, the Burmese women have the right to refuse the offer of being betrothed to the parents' chosen partner for her. At present, young Burmese women can choose to marry someone for love.
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