MNHRC on Int’l Women Day: Recognition and promoting women’s rights

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission issued a statement on Friday. It stated that the United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975 to recognize and promote women’s rights.

Since then, this day has been commemorated annually worldwide. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of this celebration.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This theme underscores the significance of upholding the rights of women and girls, fostering gender equality, and ensuring inclusive participation in all spheres of life. Myanmar, alongside 188 other nations, adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action during the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China, in 1995, affirming that women’s rights are human rights.

Furthermore, Myanmar acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1997, reinforcing its commitment to protect women’s rights. The State has since undertaken various initiatives to safeguard and promote the rights of women, including participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, recognition of achievements in women’s development, formulation and implementation of the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (2023-2032), awareness campaigns on the prevention of and response to sexual violence in conflict situations, and the provision of legal protection, economic support, education, and healthcare services for women and girls.

The Commission acknowledges and welcomes these efforts from a human rights perspective. The Commission remains committed to raising awareness of human rights by educating the public on the rights of women and girls, including pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, while emphasizing the responsibilities of communities in supporting them. The Commission also addresses complaints and safeguards women’s rights in accordance with the law.

Additionally, the Commission conducts inspections of various facilities, including prisons, detention centers, police lockups, court detention centers, homes for the aged, women’s vocational training schools, girls’ training schools, and women’s development centers. Based on these inspections, the Commission provides its findings and recommendations to relevant authorities to ensure that women’s rights are upheld and respected.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Commission urges everyone to work together in building a better future by eliminating discrimination and violence against women and girls, and promoting the gender equality by advancing opportunities for them in education, healthcare, economic participation, and employment in order to realize the aspirations set forth by the International Women’s Day 2025 theme.