In Mawlamyine, Mon State, the military junta is actively recruiting women who have passed matriculation for the fifth round of weekly military training, which includes female participants.
Reports indicate that to recruit women for this training, authorities are compiling lists and preparing training schools. Local administrative officials are also conducting door-to-door recruitment in rural areas, according to a Mawlamyine resident.
“We don’t know exactly how they’re recruiting, but they are targeting girls who have passed the 10th grade. They promise good salaries and positions after completing military service. Two girls from our neighborhood have registered,” he said.
According to the military junta’s conscription law, women aged 18-27 must serve in the military, with professionals up to 35 years old also eligible.
As the training week for women approaches, daily security concerns are increasing, said a young woman from Mawlamyine.
“Security for women has been lacking since the announcement of female conscription. With the training week approaching, the situation is getting worse,” she said.
Due to the conscription age criteria, parents are urging their eligible sons and daughters to leave the country, said a mother.
“Previously, parents wouldn’t let their daughters study or work abroad. Now, parents themselves are arranging contacts abroad and asking to take their daughters away. We feel it’s safer for them abroad than at home, where we can’t protect them if they come to take them away,” she said.
The reintroduction of conscription laws has led to an increase in youths finding various ways to leave the country. Meanwhile, the People’s Military Service Recruitment Committee announced on May 20 that those evading conscription will face three years in prison and fines.
Mon youth, both men and women, who wish to evade conscription are being accepted by Mon armed forces, particularly the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC). Other ethnic regions are also preparing to accept youths who wish to avoid conscription.
