Kaman Minority Women Displaced in Yangon Encounter Discrimination 

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 23 November 2024

Kaman women who escaped the fighting in Arakan State and sought safety in Yangon are encountering notable levels of prejudice, as reported by individuals with firsthand knowledge of the situation. 

Numerous Kaman women experience prejudice due to their faith. Furthermore, they face discrimination from within their own religious community because of their similar attire and language to the Arakanese people. 

A Kaman woman, who preferred not to reveal her identity, recounted her ordeal: "Purchasing a flat in locations such as Kyauk Myaung in Yangon is impossible for individuals of diverse faiths. This can also be seen on social media. Our religion and ethnicity result in us being handled in a distinct manner. Discrimination is evident. Even if we have the funds, we still face discrimination when attempting to purchase apartments.“

Additionally, she disclosed that Kaman children are being refused admission to schools and experiencing bias in the classroom. 

“Schools reject our children and demean them due to their religious beliefs and complexion. Despite being well-behaved, Kaman children still experience discrimination based on their religious beliefs. This has a profound emotional impact on the children," she stated. 

There are approximately 15,000 Kaman people across the country. They are an ethnic group within the Arakan sub-groups. They encounter prejudice both in Arakan State, their homeland, and when escaping the conflict and seeking refuge in Yangon. 

“In Arakan State today, there is a greater level of understanding compared to the past. People demonstrate increased support and empathy. Nevertheless, a few grievances persist because of radical individuals. There are still some drawbacks in Yangon,” she mentioned.

She also estimated that around 2,000 Kaman individuals may be seeking refuge in Yangon. 

A woman from Kaman residing in Yuzana Garden City, Yangon, said, “I have been fleeing the Arakan conflict to Yangon for a period of 7 months. I have not been successful in securing employment, therefore I have resorted to selling the gold and silver I brought along. Now, there is nothing remaining. I have been seeking employment at Mingalar Market, but they have not extended any job offers to me. My ID card states I’m Kaman so they requested my letters of recommendation and guest lists. Even though I show them, they have not offered me a job yet."

She mentioned that Kaman women in Yangon are experiencing mental distress because of unemployment and discrimination, despite escaping the violence in Arakan State in search of security. 

Although she found the apartments in Yuzana Garden City affordable, she mentioned that taking care of her 70-year-old mother and two children while renting a house has made it challenging to make ends meet and has taken a toll on her emotionally. 

“I am currently unemployed. My mother is ill. I don’t have a husband like other people. I'm having a hard time making both ends meet - I can't afford rent, food, or anything else. I am unable to provide for my children, and due to discrimination at school, they are declining to attend. At times, I consider about ending my life,” she said.

A Kaman woman residing in Thaketa Township stated that the Kaman community is experiencing psychological distress caused by the displacement from their properties and territories in Arakan State, the casualties of their loved ones in the conflict, and the continuous terror induced by loud noises.

On May 14, 2024, an artillery shell launched by junta troops hit Lin Thi village in Thandwe Township, resulting in the deaths of 9 Kaman individuals. Casualties were also reported in other Kaman villages. 

“We had no choice but to flee from our home in Arakan State. We were forced to evacuate our residences, causing our families to be separated. The emotions of sadness and mourning we experience are indescribable. Not only the effects of the conflict, but also the anguish of being away from our family and friends. We feel insignificant as we must rely on others for shelter. A portion of our families are divided while they are still alive, while others are separated in death. The feeling of grief is incredibly powerful and will linger for quite a while," she expressed. 

Another Kaman woman residing on Oakyin Butaryone Street in Yangon highlighted the primary challenges Kaman women encounter in the city: limited job prospects and economic opportunities. 

“The primary challenge faced by Kaman women when they arrive in Yangon is locating a place to stay. Yangon is a big city with a hig cost of living. Despite staying with relatives, the apartments are so small that it is difficult for families to live comfortably. People in Yangon are unable to provide complete support," she stated. 

The Kaman people primarily reside in three villages in Sittwe: Thet Kae Pyin, Thar Yar Kone Ywar Ma, and Thin Ga Net. They are also located in the towns of Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, and Ramree. 

Nevertheless, only about five villages continue to exist in Thandwe, Arakan State, housing the Kaman community, the majority of whom have fled the conflict.