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Introduction
Even though women are gaining more acceptance from the
society and are becoming more active in the realm of politics, the
majority of people still believe that women’s place is only at home.
Other activities outside out of the home, be them social or political, are
sometimes still perceived as belonging to men. Women’s world is often
limited to the private sphere rather than the one of public expression.
Despite today’s global trend of gender equality that challenges the
traditional gender norms of the society, women rarely participate in
policy-making and important decisions. Even in the National Legislative
Assembly (NLA) appointed by National Council for Peace and Order
(NCPO), 95 percent of the members are men. As a result, many rules
and regulations have minimal inclusion of women’s participation.
Despite limited public space and leadership roles, women
have shown how they can have strong views and stand up for justice,
democracy and human rights. In fighting against injustice, women
are not only protecting their families; their actions also reflect their
contribution to good governance and fostering a fairer society.
As women try to endeavor towards the achievement of
democracy and justice, they are confronted with gender discrimination
enshrined in the culture and society. Women often witness attempts
to violate their human rights and dignity when fighting to correct
such social and cultural imbalances. This is a major obstacle that
limit women’s voice and role. Very often women who acquire more
leadership positions are criticized or pointed at in the private sphere
as a way to challenge their legitimacy. These forms of discrimination
and bias against women do not occur against their male counterparts.
Women still live their lives as women as they stand out in the front
line to fight for justice and protect human rights. Their endurance and
inner strength can made them endure work during difficult times like
pregnancies or breastfeeding, and they continue to juggle between
their activist role and child minder one, having to be responsible at
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