The issue of gender equality in Myanmar is in the spotlight again. Women are on the frontlines of the anti-coup protests taking place since the junta ousted the civilian government a year ago.

Since the Myanmar military brutally put down the mass protests that began following the February 1 coup last year, flash mobs have repeatedly gathered in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay to protest against the military junta.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has called on the youth and women in the country to use the voting strength to positively impact the 2023 electoral process.

Furthermore, the INEC boss said the two groups should team up to take over political power rather than to be used for political violence. The INEC chairman said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Sunday during the West Africa (ECOWAS) Youth Council summit.

Parties will have ensure 40% of their candidates in the next general election are women if they want to avoid a funding cut.

If the current government survives past the end of the year, political parties will be expected to ensure at least 40% of their candidates in the next general election are women.