Diverse experiences of displaced Myanmar women in Thailand

Abstract

The political situation in Myanmar has changed since 1 February 2021, when the military coup has led to widespread violence, torture, and persecution of civilians. As civilians faced imminent threats to their safety, many felt compelled to flee their homes, crossing the border into Thailand in search of refuge. Thousands of people, including women of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds are fleeing from human insecurity to the neighboring country, Thailand, where they are living covertly with a lack of protection, and are restricted from livelihood opportunities. To understand the displacement phenomena, an extensive review of literature has been conducted to explore the broader issue of displacement related to the factors causing displacement, the experiences of displaced women in terms of daily survival struggles, and the protection gap for women in displacement. The study narrows down to specific situations of current Myanmar’s displacement issue, specifically, women’s experiences. To understand the intricate lives of forcibly displaced women from Myanmar, who have sought refuge in neighboring Thailand in the wake of the 2021 military coup; three concepts are utilized: human security, displaced livelihood, and transformative justice. The interlinkages of the three concepts shed light on the evolving experiences of these women.

Fieldwork was carried out via in-depth interviews with twelve displaced women, two life story interviews, two focus group discussions with displaced women and their intimate family members, and four key informant interviews in Mae Sot, Thailand. The research utilized framework analysis, using QDA Minor Lite software to identify and analyze patterns within the data from which three major themes emerged: the causes of displacement; the lived experiences of women in displacement; and the response to the challenges of displacement.

The findings show that as soon as the military staged the coup, the situation of the women in Myanmar dramatically changed as they lost their safety and security. The lack of security encompasses personal, community, economic, food, health, and political security. Amidst the oppressive military regime, the very notion of law and order eroded, as military and police personnel conducted intrusive home searches and investigations without the need for warrants. Shockingly, the military showed a complete disregard for human life, often resorting to violence, arbitrary arrests, and brutal beatings, sometimes even in the presence of family members, including women and children. To evade this terrifying environment, these displaced women were in a constant state of fleeing, unable to find a place of lasting safety. The military coup that engulfed Myanmar didn't merely disrupt the nation's political landscape; it triggered a humanitarian crisis that has extensive consequences for women’s human security. These highlighted issues provide a glimpse into the appalling violations these women endured, compelling them to seek refuge. It is a testimony to the deteriorating human security within Myanmar, which tragically forced these women to escape across the border into Mae Sot, Thailand.

While these displaced women sought shelter in the hope of securing the pillars of human security, they have encountered various hardships in displacement. In the face of displacement, these women embarked on a journey marked by profound loss, encountering numerous hurdles as they sought to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. However, amidst these challenges, some are displaying remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, managing to find opportunities within the constraints of displacement. Additionally, humanitarian organizations are playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of these displaced lives, providing humanitarian support and assistance in their pursuit of security and stability. In displacement, these women’s lived experiences vary according to their statuses and backgrounds. However, in common, these women’s displacement experiences begin from a position of loss, and insecurity. Differently, is the way they seek to overcome the challenges of displacement where the consequent trauma experiences influence their daily lives.

Despite the restrictions and uncertainties, many of the Myanmar displaced women use their agency to not only overcome challenges, but also empower others within their community. The displaced women are not passive victims; they are proactive participants in the process of rebuilding their lives. Furthermore, the navigation of the women with the challenges and opportunities presented by their new lives as refugees is contrary to the stereotypical portrayal of refugees as powerless and impoverished. This study revealed that displaced women are from a diverse group, each with unique experiences and coping strategies. Some have emerged as resilient agents of change, making decisions that are positively impacting their families and communities.

The study concludes with the recommendation that to better support displaced women and similar populations worldwide, it is crucial to center their experiences in research and policy development, adopting a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach. Recommendations stemming from this research include investigating the specific needs of different subgroups of displaced women and advocating for more effective support measures.