Ma OK Bu, a radio documentary series which tells the story of advocates and justice providers working to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Myanmar, launches today.
Created by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and produced by podcasting veteran Zar Ni and former radio producer Evelyn Yu Yu Swe, the Ma OK Bu Podcast features a new voice talent in show host Thu Thu Aung.
Released weekly, each episode looks at the work of the advocates and justice providers in their struggle with the legal and cultural barriers that exist for survivors of SGBV in Myanmar.
The first episode launching today will cover the pressing issue of rising cases of domestic andintimate partner violence under COVID-19 in Myanmar. Listeners will learn about the impact of this increased violence on the legal system and what lawyers, paralegals and social workers have done to combat violence during these uncertain times.
New episodes of Ma OK Bu are available weekly. Upcoming topics include:
- Myanmar women taking a stand and exposing workplace sexual harassment inparallel to the global #timesup and #metoo movement.
- The challenges faced by persons with intellectual disabilities when it comes toreporting crimes of SGBV.
- Women candidates in Myanmar’s 2020 elections facing unprecedented online abuseand harassment due to the ubiquity of social media and the anonymity it offers.
Speaking about Ma OK Bu, Morgane Landel, Country Manager for IDLO says:
”Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) affects us all. Survivors are our friends,relatives and colleagues. It takes place in their homes, on our streets, in our workplaces,schools and online. Yet for a problem that is so widespread, there is a silence thatsurrounds it, which allows perpetrators to act with impunity. Ma OK Bu tells the stories ofthose who refuse to remain silent and how they seek justice for survivors of SGBV.”
IDLO has worked on SGBV in Myanmar since 2015. In 2018, IDLO conducted research which showed that less than 5% of survivors of SGBV report the matter to the formal justice system. A lack of trust in the formal legal system, entrenched discrimination support by harmful traditional norms and practices, fear of retaliation, limited protective measures and geographic and financial constraints negatively impact women’s access to justice. Women, girls and those atrisk of SGBV do not have access to information about their rights, the remedies available to them, and where or how to access them.
IDLO seeks to address these challenges through a survivor-centered approach to strengthening access to justice for survivors and support: (1) awareness raising; (2) supporting dialogue between communities and justice service providers;(3) capacity building; and (4) service provision.
The Ma OK Bu podcast is part of IDLO’s work to raise awareness of and create dialogue around SGBV. As the pandemic continues andsurvivors of SGBV are isolated with their abusers and cut off from essential services, IDLO is working to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard.
“Getting the podcast off the ground was challenging,” said producer Evelyn Yu Yu Swe,“ especially considering we completed most of it under the restrictions of the recent COVID-19 lockdown and stay at home orders. Nonetheless, I’m pleased to say that we’ve managed to pull together this six-episode season for our audience to bring attention to these pressing issues affecting people all over Myanmar.”
Show host Thu Thu Aung said, “Since the topics in the show are discussed in a light andpersonable manner, anyone can put themselves in the shoes of the people involved in thestories. I’m happy and proud to be involved in playing a role to bring light to these issues.”
Ma OK Bu will be broadcast on City FM (88.9MHz) at 6pm every Saturday and Tuesday and Bagan FM at Friday at 4pm and Sunday at 9:30am. It is also available online through Soundcloud and Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/maokbu
For press enquiries, please contact Zaw Min Naung on 0943166861
