ISO: MMR *************************************************************************** The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Secretariat. *************************************************************************** AS WRITTEN Statement by H.E Major-General Soe Myint, Minister For Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Leader of the Delegation of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 Mme. President, Allow me to extend, on behalf of my delegation and on my own, my warmest congratulations to you upon your unanimous election as president of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. My delegation firmly believes that your wealth of experience and wisdom will prove invaluable ill guiding us successfully through the deliberations. My delegation would also like to express our deep and sincere appreciation to the People's Republic of China for hosting this historic gathering and also for the warm hospitality extended to us all. Mme. President, We have gathered here in Beijing on the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and at the threshold of a new millennium to review our achievements as well as our limitations in the field of the advancement of women. In particular, we are here to examine how far we have progressed to reach the goals set by the Nairobi-Forward- Looking strategies aimed at Equality, Development and Peace for Women. Mme. President, The United Nations has already held four World Conferences on Women including this one. The year 1975 was designated the International Women's Year and the period 1976-1985 was proclaimed the United Nations Decade for Women. In 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women which is a major international legal instrument safeguarding women is rights. Mme. President, Though the United Nations has been promoting advancement of women, we are of the view that there is still much to be done. Poverty, unequal access to educational opportunities and health services and inequality in sharing responsibilities and decision-making are some of the problems that beset the women today. We are gathered here at the Beijing Conference, to adopt a Platform for action, addressing the critical are as of concern and recommending steps to overcome them. Myanmar is prepared to contribute its share for a successful adoption of a draft Platform for Action in solidarity with the international community. Mme. President, May I also take this opportunity to appraise the Conference of the status of Myanmar women including some of their efforts in national development. In the world today, women are constantly battling against inequality and discrimination. In this context, I feel proud to say that Myanmar women have been bestowed equality with men as an inherent right. Since the inception of Myanmar civilization 2000 years ago, there has been historical evidence that Myanmar women and men did enjoy equal rights. Myanmar traditions and customs, Dhammathats, or customary law, religious beliefs and practices have all along safeguarded the equality of Myanmar women with men in such crucial areas as marriage and inheritance. Women have played distinguished roles in administration since the days of Myanmar Kings. According to royal court practices, the coronation ceremony of a Myanmar King would not be complete without the presence of his chief Queen. The death sentence passed by the king can be commuted on a request by the queen or princess to whom this privilege has been accorded. Similarly, Myanmar women were in the forefront, together with the men, in the struggle for national independence. In the history of Myanmar, many women who were well-versed in literature, law and religious doctrines rendered distinguished services to the country. In the contemporary era, having equal employment opportunities, women educated within the country and abroad are also working alongside men in the fields of administration, law, judiciary and medicine. Evidence shows that based on their own skills and merit, these women rise up to the top decisionmaking and management positions. I would like to emphasise here that there exist no barriers in the form of social norms or practices that restrain the Myanmar women from playing prominent career roles in the Myanmar society. In Myanmar, wives have been categorised as " wives who are like mothers", and " wives who are like sisters" indicating the respect and devotion that men have towards their wives. Mme. President, The 1994-95, population of Myanmar is estimated at 44.74 million, of which 22.52 million are womenfolk. It is imperative that the State should make use of the potential of women in national development. The government of the Union of Myanmar is therefore making far-reaching investments in the education of women from all strata of society. Myanmar statistics reveal that women enjoy equal access to education as men. Similarly in Myanmar, health services for women are targeted to provide life- cycle approach to health care for women. Mme. President, The State law and Order Restoration Council promulgated the "Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Law" in 1990. The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, formed in 1991, has been engaged in tasks to help women at the grass roots level achieve good health and develop good moral character. It is also helping women at poverty level to achieve economic empowerment through credit facilities and income- generating activities. In the social sphere, the Government is carrying out social welfare programmes aimed at protecting women, and providing vocational training for young women living in border areas which traditionally have lagged behind in development. In the economic sphere, women's co-operatives, such as the Myanmar Women Entrepreneur's Association, have been taking the lead in promoting business opportunities for women. Mme. President, Myanmar as a developing country is making use of the wealth and resources at its disposal in striving for the betterment of the people. As the Union of Myanmar charts its course towards the goal of a modern developed state, its ability in fulfilling the needs of its citizens including women in the fields of education, health and economy will be greatly enhanced. In conclusion I would like to state that women in Meaner enjoy (I special status. Safe-guarded by traditions and customs, as well as customary law, religious beliefs and practices, Myanmar women have equal pay and employment opportunities. Special laws are laid in place to safeguard women’s rights in such critical areas as marriage and inheritance. Most important, in the Myanmar society, men and women have a symbiotic relationship, mutually depending upon one another. They believe that they have equal and shared responsibilities towards the family and the society. May I reiterate that the Delegation of Myanmar will be participating actively in the discussions and deliberations of the Conference for a successful adoption of the Platform for Action. Thank you, Mme. President.