Abstract

• As Myanmar community regardless of religion and race, is a culture-based one, the role of women participation or significance in economic, political and socio-cultural areas have been still questionable in terms of size and level of women representing to such areas. Much as the literature on transition commonly excludes gender relations from its considerations, many studies of Myanmar political transition also neglect a gender perspective. Myanmar women are facing with many challenges mainly due to traditional perceptions, societal norms and values, and institutional mechanisms. The obstacles or impediment to gender equality have ranged from a lack of equal job opportunities, participation in nation building or political arena. After the democratic transition in Myanmar, policies, practices and legal framework for gender equality have been dramatically initiated. But barriers to Myanmar women for gender equality are still significant to a certain extent. Therefore, the role of women may not participate like men in economic, political and social life. This paper examines gender inequality process before and after the democratic transition. It explores the barriers of women in social (cultural norms), economic and political spheres.