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1、1 The Role of Myanmar Women in Anti-Colonialist Struggle In the Myanmar society of successive ages, Myanmar women have received equal rights with men and have stood on equal terms with men. Along the lines of the Myanmar proverb “The husband shoulders his load and the wife carries it on her head.” b
2、oth the husband and wife did their bits - from the beginning of Myanmar history, women after becoming involved in administration also became involved in politics. Since the reign of ancient Myanmar kings, there are reliable evidences that women have held such administrative posts as kalan, thanbyin,
3、 judges, pyi soe, and village head. When the occasions rose to serve the nation and the race, it has been the historical tradition for Myanmar women to have proved their ability, shoulder to shoulder with their men. Throughout Myanmar history, women have participated in the political, economic, educ
4、ation, religious, social, literary and the fine arts sectors to the best of their ability. This paper will present with references and evidence the roles Myanmar women have played in the anti-colonialist struggle. Anti-Colonialist Struggle of Myanmar Women during the Feudal Age In the Myanmar anti-c
5、olonist movement, the whole of Myanmar participated and the womenfolk played an important role. Myanmar has existed as a sovereign state with its own monarch when the imperialist British began waging the first war of aggression in 1824. The Myanmar fought the invader imperialists valiantly. Wat-Hti-
6、Kan Battle and Women During the first war of aggression in the historic Wethtikan battle, Shan women fought in the battle. British Major Snodgrass who witnessed their bravery described them in his book Narrative of the Burmese War as follows: . Among those who led these soldiers were not only the Sa
7、wbwas and royal princes, but also three women. These warrior women wore armour and as they rode their horses bravely, spoke words of encouragement to the soldiers. one of the fair Amazons also received a fatal bullet in the breast, but the moment she was seen and her sex was recognized the soldiers
8、bore her from the scene of death another of the Shan ladies here observed flying on horse back with the defeated remnant of her people; but before she could gain the opposite bank of the river, where a friendly forest promised safety and protection, a sharpnel exploded above her head, and she fell f
9、rom her horse into the water; but whether killed, or only 2 frightened, could not be ascertained, as she was immediately borne off by her attendants. By considering the above mentioned records, the patriotism, the fervour of the anti- imperialism spirit, and the willingness to sacrifice for ones nat
10、ion and people, of the women belonging to Myanmar national races can be observed. Anti-Imperialist Movements in Early Colonial Days British colonialists occupied the capital, Mandalay, deposed King Thibaw and took him abroad. Thus, starting from 29 November 1885, Myanmar became a British colony. The
11、 unexpected misfortune left the people unable to assess their true situation. They merely thought that it was not a change for the whole people, but just a change they usually encountered when a king was dethroned and another king took over the reign. On 1 January 1886, Indian Governor Lord Dufferin
12、 declared that Myanmar was annexed into the British Empire. Only then did they realize that they had lost independence and had become total slaves. As soon as they realized that they had been enslaved, village and town elders together with members of the Myanmar Royal Army headed the armed resistanc
13、e against the British colonialists. Those who had not had a chance to show their courage joined the nearest leaders and sacrificed their lives to save the nation and its people. In addition to these revolutionary forces, the various national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakh
14、ine, Shan, fought against the British imperialists in their respective regions. Shoulder to shoulder with men, Myanmar women also took part in the national uprising and anti-imperialist movements stemming from the desire not to be under the reign of foreigners. Pin Khin Khin, niece of Shwe Dah Bo wh
15、o usually attacked the British in central regions of Myanmar such as Meiktila, Taungdwingyi, and Natmauk, sword in hand, bravely went to the battlefield with her uncle. Around the foot of Mount Popa, too, there arose women wearing Shan traditional trousers, riding on horseback and taking part in the
16、 battlefield together with Bagan Bo Chos troops. Bo Chos wife herself who was filled with patriotism entered into the battlefield along with her husband. She was very famous for her patriotism and accomplished in the use of swords and spears and skilled in horse riding shoulder to shoulder with Bo Cho rose against the imperialists. Besides, she made her sons Bo Po Sin and Bo Po Win take part in the uprising. There were also Myanmar women who risked their lives to support Myanmar troops
