Title (PRINT FINAL) Voices from Exile_EN.pdf ✅

“Sending in factual reporting is a form of political activism.” Ronald Koven, former European representative for the World Press Freedom Committee. A Research Report by Authored by Yucca Wai & Joseph Andersson Contributors Theingi Htun, Eaint Thiri Thu, Tin Zar Aung & Shoon Naing Translated by William Peter Design by Noisy & Yucca Wai Copyright © 2024 Exile Hub. All rights reserved. This research report or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Printed by Exile Hub, in Thailand. First printing, 2024. www.exilehub.org Report | The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists in Thailand | 1
Table of Contents Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 4 Research Methodology.............................................................................................................................8 Findings...................................................................................................................................................12 Demographics.............................................................................................................................................. 13 Current Working Conditions and Impact on Women in Media............................................................... 17 Difficulty Conducting Journalistic Work............................................................................................ 20 Financial Insecurity...............................................................................................................................24 Legal Insecurity..................................................................................................................................... 27 Physical Insecurity.................................................................................................................................31 Housing Insecurity............................................................................................................................... 35 Gender-Based Discrimination and Bullying........................................................................................ 38 Mental Health and Psychosocial Security............................................................................................43 Examining Efficacy and Use of Existing Support Mechanisms..................................................................46 Role of Media Organizations................................................................................................................46 Role of Support Organizations............................................................................................................ 48 Evaluation of Existing Mechanisms..................................................................................................... 50 Recommendations & Conclusions........................................................................................................ 60 Bibliography........................................................................................................................................... 65 Appendix I : Context............................................................................................................................. 69 Media Landscape Pre-Coup........................................................................................................................ 69 Early Days..............................................................................................................................................69 Thein Sein Era.......................................................................................................................................71 NLD Era................................................................................................................................................72 The February 1st, 2021 Military Coup....................................................................................................... 75 Media Landscape Post-Coup.......................................................................................................................77 Appendix II: Literature Review............................................................................................................80 Appendix III: Survey..............................................................................................................................95 Report | The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists in Thailand | 2
Exile Hub This research was spearheaded by Exile Hub, a dedicated support system for media professionals and human rights defenders both within and beyond Myanmar’s borders to securely carry on their professions, strengthening the voices that make up Myanmar’s critical discourse. Exile Hub supports all professionals involved in media production, including journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, photojournalists, producers, and illustrators. Our holistic framework encompasses an array of support, including psychosocial assistance, media production training, production grants and fellowships, emergency relocation, safe accommodation, as well as community spaces, workspaces, and multimedia production studios in Thailand. Exile Hub is committed to promoting a diverse range of voices, with the priority to uphold independent media and free expression to serve as fundamental pillars in building and defending the values of democracy and pluralism. This research was conducted with the partial support of Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the Austrian Embassy of Bangkok, and in cooperation and consultation with a panel of independent media workers and journalists, including the Independent Myanmar Journalist Association (IMJA), Burma News International (BNI), and the newly-formed Myanmar Women in Media (MWIM). Report | The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists in Thailand | 3
Note The term “women journalists” is preferred over “female journalists” in this paper for its inclusivity and respect for individuals’ gender identity and professional achievements. It avoids potential objectification and reductionism associated with the latter term, aligning with contemporary standards of respectful and inclusive language use in recognizing diverse gender identities and expressions within the field of journalism. 1 When we refer to a “journalist,” we are describing an individual whose primary profession involves gathering, researching, reporting, and presenting news and information to the public through various mediums, including but not limited to newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms. Our definition of a “journalist” encompasses not only traditional reporters and correspondents but also media professionals like stringers and fixers. 2 Including these roles recognizes the collaborative nature of journalism and the vital contributions made by a diverse array of individuals who help gather and communicate news and information to the public. Introduction 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. The urgency of safeguarding these rights cannot be overstated in Myanmar’s post-2021 coup landscape, especially considering the junta’s relentless efforts to suppress dissenting voices and spread disinformation Myanmar’s historical narrative has been marred by prolonged periods of dictatorship, beginning in 1958 when General Ne Win’s caretaker government seized control. A significant turning point emerged in 2011, as the nation shifted away from full military rule, culminating in the re-election of the civilian-led National League for Democracy in 2020, signifying a decade of quasi-civilian governance. Emerging from decades of military rule, hopes were high for a more democratic and 2 In journalism, a "stringer" is a freelance or part-time correspondent who contributes stories to news organizations on a per-assignment basis. Stringers are often locals or individuals with specific expertise, offering news outlets access to unique perspectives. "Fixers" play a crucial role in assisting foreign journalists working in unfamiliar locations. Fixers, hired on a temporary basis, provide essential local knowledge, language skills, and cultural insights. They facilitate interviews, handle translation, and ensure access to relevant locations, contributing to the accuracy and cultural sensitivity of foreign correspondents' reporting. Together, stringers and fixers contribute to well-informed and contextually accurate news stories, with stringers reporting on the ground and fixers providing essential support behind the scenes. 1 It is worth noting that some individuals and groups may also use the term “womxn” (pronounced like “women”) to be even more inclusive and gender-neutral. “Womxn” is used to encompass a broader range of gender identities and expressions beyond the traditional binary understanding of gender. However, its usage can vary and may not be universally accepted. Report | The Safety Needs of Myanmar Women Journalists in Thailand | 4