Inclusivity: Dr. Ambia Parveen's Vision for Women’s Essential Role in the Rohingya Struggle

A New Chapter for Rohingya Women?

File Pic: Dr Ambia Parveen at the International Court of Justice, 2020. Image © Shafiur Rahman

In a revealing conversation with Voice of America (Rohingya), published on 29 March, Dr. Ambia Parveen, Chairperson of the European Rohingya Council, illuminates the long-standing issues with the leadership of Rohingya political movements. She articulates how the newly formed Rohingya Consultative Council marks a break from the traditionally male-dominated structures, and calls for inclusivity.

Parveen addresses past governance models that have consistently overlooked women, neglecting their capabilities and input. Her commentary also served as a summons for unity that ensures the active participation of women, youth, and others from the myriad of districts across Myanmar. Parveen points out that the focus of past organisations and groups was often limited geographically and demographically, typically being led by individuals from specific regions such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Yangon. This, she implies, did not fully represent the diverse and widespread presence of the Rohingya across different areas.

The establishment of this new council, she indicated, signals a shift away from exclusionary norms, promoting a vision of collective endeavour essential for forging a new chapter in the Rohingya narrative.

Closing her interview, she emphasises the critical involvement of women in the struggle for protection and rights, stressing that men alone cannot stop genocide or liberate the country without the participation of women - sisters, mothers, and daughters. Parveen made an emotive call to the women in her community, urging them to “contribute to the history and revolution” by engaging actively in the ongoing struggle for rights and protection.

Nearly two years prior to this VOA interview, Parveen, alongside various Rohingya organisations, expressed profound reservations about the emergence of the Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA). They lamented the lack of a collective and inclusive approach (which presumably stands in contrast to the ethos of the Rohingya Consultative Council). The formation of ARNA, according to Parveen and her contemporaries, failed to reflect the diverse tapestry of the Rohingya populace, summarised forcefully in their joint statement:

“…it is regrettable that the formation of the group was neither consultative, diverse nor inclusive, especially as it tries to claim exclusive representation of diverse Rohingya communities, and it is an abuse to Rohingya people”

Listen to the VOA Broadcast in Rohingya here. I provide a translation below.

Translation of Dr Ambia Parveen’s Interview

“Thanks to everyone listening in. Why has this Rohingya consultative council been formed?

After the coup on February 21, 2021, many ethnic minorities, armed groups, and political organisations, advocating for the right to self-determination and self-administration, have formed consultative councils. These councils aim to work to provide protection for ethnic minorities.

Likewise, we are an ethnic minority from Myanmar and natives of Arakan. Although in the ICJ measures they mentioned us as a group of protected people, our situation is worsening, and we are facing ongoing genocide. Therefore, this Council has been formed to provide protection to our people .

Thank you for this question, and our people should understand why this group is unique from others. The Rohingya Consultative Council has been formed with the permission of various Rohingya political organizations. Its members consist of leaders, activists, youths, and individuals working both on the ground and abroad. Our special purpose is to collaborate with the NUG, ethnic armed groups, and other revolutionary forces to advance democracy and federalism.

We aim to adopt a federal constitution and transform Burma into a federal democratic nation. We’re aware that historically, the Maungdaw people formed groups for Maungdaw, while the Buthidaung people established groups for Buthidaung. In Rohingya history, political organisations have been predominantly led by people from Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Yangon, who then devised a roadmap for the cause. However, Rohingyas are not only based in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Yangon; they also reside in numerous small cities and districts across Myanmar.

So our group is formed by including members from these small towns and districts as well. In our community, the elderly have traditionally taken on leadership roles, and educated individuals have tried to play significant roles. Those with experience have typically taken on leadership roles, always sidelining women and failing to understand their needs and aspirations.

In this group, Alhamdulillah, we have made a concerted effort to include women, youths, professionals, and experts from all districts, countries, and towns. This group has inclusivity and it is temporary. In the future, there will be a functional team, and the purpose of this group will be to promote coexistence with ethnic minorities, ensuring equal rights and fostering sisterhood and brotherhood among Rakhine, ethnic minorities, and Bamars in Arakan.

And the roles are still vacant in this group for those who are interested in joining and can enjoy equal rights. To the community, you may ask why this group needs to be formed in the absence of any development, and when we alreadyhave many organisations. So I remind you that falling down is not the problem; the problem is getting up after falling down. Although different organisations, armed groups, and political groups may not be functioning effectively, our vision is becoming clearer with you. We are refining our approach and improving as we progress through the process of evolution and revolution.

It’s better not to remain idle by thinking we can’t; success is defined by getting up after falling down. So, to the Rohingya Consultative Council Committee, everyone from the entire community is invited, and roles are available. We are here to work on what the majority of the community desires. This group is not only for those who have been working for the last 20 years or for those from Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Yangon, but also for those from small places where Rohingyas are residing.

If you are interested in providing protection and safety from genocide wherever you are staying, join us. This is your platform. The existence of this group is for the entire Rohingya community, not only for those in Myanmar or Bangladesh, but also for everyone in the world who cares about the community. Roles are available for you, and you can enjoy equal rights. No matter where you are from, your identity must be Rohingya.

Today, I would like to extend a special request to the women of the community: come and contribute to the history of the community, join the revolution. Our brothers and men alone cannot liberate the country or stop genocide without the participation of our sisters, mothers, and daughters. Thank you.”