Women for Freedom

Dear friends,

"Since February 2021, at least 50,000 people in Myanmar have lost their lives in conflict.

Within a population of 55 million, at least 2.6 million have been displaced from their homes…

Among 18 million needing humanitarian assistance, 9.7 million are women and girls 

Thousands have fled to neighboring countries leaving a massive gap of skilled and educated individuals in local communities…

And then imagine…there is a group of young and driven women dreaming of a better future"

For the past 63 years, Myanmar has experienced a brutal dictatorship. The first elections in decades during 2015, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, and the removal of the West’s economic sanctions, gave hope for a better future. Despite progress, since the flares of violence in Rakhine State with the persecution of the Rohingya people and the recent unlawful military coup from its civilian government on February 1, 2021, Myanmar is back under totalitarian rule once more. 

“I strongly believe my country needs more social and capacity-building services to ease the suffering of victims of natural disasters, and those affected by the political, economic, and educational crises that have lasted for decades. As I am a victim of these crises myself, I am committed to rebuilding capacity and leadership skills among our people in order to help them take action on their community issues.”

Khaing May Oo, We women alumni

Since the coup, the people of Myanmar have been experiencing ongoing political unrest and humanitarian crises leading up to mass protests demanding the restoration of civilian rule and the release of arrested political leaders. 

In retaliation, tens of thousands escaped from the junta-held territories to form the People Defense Forces and join Ethnic Armed Groups to resist the junta. In return, the junta responded with brutal violence, leading to at least 50,000 deaths including at least 8,000 civilians (ACLED Conflict Index). In a country of about 55 million, more than 2.6 million have been displaced from their homes due to conflict, more than 26,500 have been detained for opposing the military junta, and 18 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. Recently in March 2024, the junta imposed a mandatory military conscription on the youth, with potential imprisonment for evasion, to increase military participation and fuel the militarization of the state. 

The current political situation in Myanmar has caused great turmoil in the country and has left its citizens with few opportunities. As a result, many residents from Myanmar have fled the country and are now facing significant difficulties navigating day-to-day life. Many vulnerable populations such as young girls and women, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, and IDPs, especially those from ethnic minority groups such as the Rohingya suffer disproportionately. Due to heightened gender-based violence and human rights violations, these communities face an added layer of discrimination and difficulty amidst conflict. As they pursue education to uplift their community members, they face an (almost) impossible journey due to security concerns raised by the conflict, underrepresentation in higher-level positions, unequal access to educational opportunities, patriarchal gender norms, and ethnic discrimination.

"The country's political crisis since the military takeover has created many negative consequences, especially a sense of hopelessness for the future among children. Moreover, it has become increasingly more challenging for children to access education as they are trapped in conflict areas with no security. I believe that courageous leadership and innovative skills are required to rebuild the new generation’s future. I am studying for the Master of Management Online International Program at the College of Management, Mahidol University (CMMU) to enhance my leadership and management skills to contribute to a brighter future for Myanmar."

We women scholarship recipient Nang Kham

The women who are inside the country keep on working relentlessly towards change, they take every opportunity they can to make changes from within. It is hard to work within the restrictions set by the military regime. Many have to flee, hide or are imprisoned. One of our volunteers inside is still taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and she is also teaching children from parents who take active part in the CDM. And still one of our volunteers is in prison, through our network, food, books and personal care products are monthly brought to her mother. Her mother takes this to her daughter in prison. Last Month the mother fainted when she saw her daughter...the circumstances are so harsh in prison and we feel distressed for her and all the other prisoners, who have to endure the brutality of the military. We are sending every one who is imprisoned in Myanmar strength, love, healing and light.

Warm regards,

Ursula