Voices from exile: The safety needs of Myanmar women journalists

The primary objective of this research was to gather evidence on the experiences of exiled Myanmar women journalists, with a particular focus on non-dominant perspectives about their working and living conditions in the post-2021 coup landscape. The survival of exiled Myanmar media relies on the survival of media professionals, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists’ rights to practice their profession securely. Journalism plays a pivotal role during times of conflict and authoritarianism, serving as a vital tool for communication, activism, and the pursuit of democratic ideals. Working conditions for Myanmar journalists significantly deteriorated following the 2021 military coup. Many of the conditions we highlight in this paper will likely be experienced by all journalists, men and women alike. Yet, women journalists have to contend with specific gendered challenges which, unless addressed, could cause an exodus of women from the profession, leading to the loss of diverse perspectives, exacerbated gender disparities and diminished coverage of gender-related issues.

Sample

Our survey of 79 women journalists revealed that 35.5% of respondents earned a monthly income between THB 5,000 and 10,000, and 15% reported earnings of less than THB 5,000 per month. These income levels fall well below the established minimum wage in Thailand, which averages THB 8,160 per month in Chiang Mai and THB 7,968 per month in Mae Sot. However, it is worth noting that these calculations for the minimum wage are based on data for daily wage unskilled labor work. Salaries attributed to journalist work are expected to be far higher. Furthermore, most of the survey respondents are the sole breadwinners of their families, with 72.2% of women journalists reporting that they do not have any other source of income besides their current employment.

Main Findings

Our research commenced with the hypothesis that there are certain key differences in the safety and security of women journalists in Chiang Mai and Bangkok versus those along the Thai-Myanmar border, who are often undocumented or entered Thailand without the necessary legal permits. There are even greater differences in safety and wellbeing of the women journalists operating inside Myanmar. Crucial distinctions involve the access to resources and support organizations, essential infrastructure, and legal status. For example, women journalists in Chiang Mai have greater access to emotional and psychological support, safer working conditions, and career development opportunities, benefits that those at the border would find far more difficult to enjoy due to their constrained circumstances. Therefore, our research explored whether the safety needs and support mechanisms for women journalists should be specific to each context and if there were any overall themes and challenges expressed by all three populations. The research findings are structured into the following sections: Demographics Current Working Conditions and Impact on Women in Media Examining Efficacy and Use of Existing Support Mechanisms. Key findings include: Media houses did have HR policies, but often not translated to Burmese and/or ethnic minority languages. Media houses often did not have the capacity or funding to implement gender policies. Media houses faced significant funding constraints from donors, and are often underfunded to the point of non-viability. Donors face pressure and funding cuts from back donors due to changes in global politics. There is a difference in understanding journalism as a profession, and journalism as revolutionary work that requires significant sacrifice.

Policy recommendations/implications

Recommendations for Media House Funders: Recognize the significance of providing benefits and livelihood support to journalists, through both their media organizations and independent mechanisms for freelancers. Making concessions for media organizations in their overheads, particularly for services that ensure the well-being of journalists, is fundamental. Flexibility in funding is crucial to adapting to the changing situations on the ground. Funders should incentivize media organizations to implement policies that foster equality, address harassment concerns, and provide support tailored to the specific needs of women journalists. Funders should consider integrating gender-specific budgeting and programming into the allocation of funds to local partners. Recommendations for Media Organizations: Unfair gendered expectations in the workplace, including gender-related biases that hinder professional growth or lead to discriminatory treatment, must be clearly defined and recognized to prevent inadvertent abuses and ensure equitable working conditions for women journalists. Media organizations should regularly update personnel handbooks and policies to align with both local and international standards. Essential employment documents, such as personnel manuals, contracts, and workplace etiquette guidelines, should be available in Burmese and ethnic minority languages. Media organizations must provide ongoing support to media professionals beyond the category of journalists, particularly those working as stringers, citizen journalists (CJs), and sources on the ground. Recommendations for Media Support Organizations: Expansion of what work is considered “media development” must be considered. Further protections are needed to safeguard sources and CJs. Media support groups should consider implementing activities to integrate exiled journalists into their host communities. People need to understand the local laws and language of the host country and the policing system. Those surveyed throughout our research highlighted the need for gender-sensitive tailored safety training. Supporting the establishment of independent mechanisms for supporting women journalists outside of media organizations and providing contact details for assistance in cases of sexual harassment. Audits of employers and media organizations are needed to ensure that no gendered abuses are occurring within these groups.

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When discussing the role of media in Myanmar, it is best to think of it as "revolutionary creative labor." This phrase evokes the ongoing efforts of journalists to report events within Myanmar truthfully and emphasizes the responsibilities shouldered by these individual journalists and their media organizations alike in conflict ridden regions. When considering the critical importance of this work, the need for sustained support is obvious. Our paper acknowledges that the role of media, and particularly gender representation in media, is paramount in fostering a free and open society. A diverse and inclusive media landscape ensures that a range of perspectives and voices are heard, contributing to a more robust civic discourse. By promoting gender equality in the media, we not only enhance the quality and accuracy of information but also reinforce the principles of freedom of expression, empowering all citizens to actively engage in the public sphere. Without the tenacity, grit, and commitment of individual journalists making the choice to turn up and continue to report on the situation on the ground in Myanmar, there would be no media industry. Despite the tremendous challenges they face, women journalists continue to work, report, and persist in their mission for a free Myanmar.