Life under a brutal military dictatorship is particularily difficult for the the women of Burma. Women face all variety of issues and concerns ranging from personal safety and well-being, to fundamental rights and equality.

Women in Burma have been the target of a systematic campaign to use rape and sexual violence by the Burmese army, in order to punish entire communities for insurgency activities. In May 2002 the Shan Womens Actions Network (SWAN) and the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) released shocking report, which documented the systematic use of rape and sexual violence by the Burmese military in Shan State. The report has received widespread international attention, for the first time publically exposed the military regime's brutality against the women of Burma.

A follow up report on the widespread use of sexual violence throughout Burma was recently complied by the Womens League of Burma in September 2004. (Click below for full report)