Educating women: enabling or disabling – a case study

Abstract

This study argues that many women from all parts of the globe have, for far too long, been oppressed and had their human rights denied, regardless of education, social status, ethnicity or wealth. This significant assertion will be supported by the case study of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ongoing struggle for political freedom in Burma. It is argued that her unfortunate position illustrates the situation of women world-wide, as she strives against oppression by traditional male authority, such as a military regime. Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the most controversial female world figures, attracting international attention and endless media speculation. As the leader of the pro-democracy movement in Burma, the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi is engaged in a fierce, protracted struggle for recognition from the country’s military leaders who consider her efforts treasonous. In May 1990, her political party won 80% on the vote at the parliamentary elections. Suu Kyi had been placed under house arrest in July 1989 and for most of the time since then has been under detention. This paper addresses the ‘struggle for democracy’ undertaken by Aung San Suu Kyi, her political oppression, detention and human rights issues. This analysis focuses on her position as it applies to women attempting to break through the “marble ceiling” in their fight for equality.