According to the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU) women participating in various sectors of the revolutionary movement are being deliberately targeted by the military junta and its supporters through online sexual harassment and threats of sexual violence.
As the revolutionary movement has intensified nationwide, many women have taken leading roles in fundraising campaigns for arms and supplies, as well as organizing and mobilizing support through social media platforms. BWU says these activities have made them targets of coordinated abuse.
Ma Wai Wai, Joint General Secretary of the Burmese Women’s Union, told IMNA that women active in the revolution are facing repeated sexual harassment through their social media accounts. The abuse includes verbal attacks, the sending of obscene messages and images, and explicit threats of rape.
“Women, especially young women involved in fundraising and campaign activities for the revolution, are being intentionally targeted. The military junta and its supporters use abusive and degrading language, both in writing and verbally. They threaten them with statements such as, ‘If we catch you, we will rape you,’ along with other violent and life-threatening remarks,” she said.
She added that such harassment has caused serious psychological distress for women engaging in revolutionary activities online.
In addition to abuse from junta supporters, some women have reportedly experienced sexual violence, exploitation, and harassment within certain People’s Defense Forces and ethnic armed organizations.
A women’s rights activist based in a border area said accountability mechanisms within some organizations remain weak.
“Sexual violence and abuse are happening in various places. There are also cases involving individuals aligned with the revolutionary movement. Although some ethnic armed organizations say they have justice systems and disciplinary procedures, there are many instances where senior figures are not held accountable and cases are quietly dropped,” she said.
According to data compiled in 2025 by the Women’s League of Burma, 209 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were documented, including 36 cases of sexual assault and harassment.
Young women in both junta-controlled and revolutionary-controlled areas continue to face sexual harassment and violence. However, due to the lack of safe reporting mechanisms and protection, many remain silent and without adequate support.
Women’s rights advocates are calling for sustained efforts to end impunity and to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are held accountable.
