WPS Webinar: Women on the Frontline: Fighting for Democracy in Myanmar
| By isoa_admin
Please join us for a dynamic discussion with several strong and committed women who are on the frontline fighting for democracy in Myanmar. Women represent sixty-five percent of the pro-democracy movement challenging the military junta in Myanmar. Regrettably,
their vital voices remain unheard, and their unwavering dedication, contributions, and courage in the ongoing struggle against the coup have yet to receive the recognition they deserve. This initiative aims to magnify their voices, ensuring that the
world listens and acknowledges their significant role.
This webinar will be conducted in Burmese and will have simultaneous interpretation.
In preparation for the webinar, attendees are encouraged to read Women on the Front Lines in Myanmar’s Fight for Democracy from the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs:
This webinar is presented in partnership with the Myanmar Policy Institute (MPI). MPI is an independent and non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Myanmar’s opposition policymakers, ethnic leaders, and civil society communities.
As a platform for diverse stakeholders, we foster a well-informed, inclusive, and participatory approach to policy-making. By bringing together experts, civil society groups, and key stakeholders, MPI encourages critical dialogue on current affairs
and challenges prevailing perspectives.
EmpowerHER Myanmar is one of the MPI programs designed to support and empower women in Myanmar who have been at the forefront of providing humanitarian relief, civilian protection and emergency support efforts in conflict-affected areas rampaged by the
military coup. Despite women’s participation accounting for more than 60% of pro-democracy organizations, women have long faced discrimination due to laws, religious rules, and conservative social traditions. The program’s objective is to strengthen
the capacity and resilience of these courageous women who have been working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of their fellow citizens despite facing immense challenges. By providing them with necessary resources, training, and support, EmpowerHER
Myanmar aims to bolster their efforts and enhance the impact of their humanitarian and civilian projection initiatives and ultimately fostering positive change in the lives of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
This webinar is available for no charge to both ISOA members and non-members. Virtual attendance during the session will count as an event credit towards ISOA’s WPS Certification Program. To
join the ISOA WPS Committee, please click here. The webinar will be recorded and posted publicly on the ISOA website for future viewing.
Learn more about ISOA’s WPS Certification Program here.
Sponsored by
Panelist
Thazin Nyunt Aung
Thazin Nyunt Aung is a rapper, foley artist and political activist. She is also the fiancé of Phyo Zeya Thaw, renowned politician, rapper and a figurehead of the democratic resistance movement. She was active in Myanmar’s hip hop scene and was involved
in various artist endeavors prior to the 2021 military coup. Since the military coup, she has been active in the revolutionary struggle against the military junta as a rebel artist and a member of the underground resistance.
Panelist
Myathida Htun
A Politician, Lawyer and Member of Parliament, Myanmar Parliamentary Representative body called Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH)
Myat is an engaged member of Myanmar’s union level parliament, actively working to restore democracy. Within CRPH, she chairs the International Relations Committee, serving her second term as a parliamentarian. Outside parliament, she’s a councilor in
the NUCC, representing CRPH. She’s also part of the Myanmar Women Parliamentarian Network, launched on November 2, 2022. Strongly opposing the military’s February 1, 2021 power seizure, she contests their unlawful takeover and participates
in peaceful protests. Having eluded capture by the junta, she and fellow MPs reside in border areas of Myanmar, maintaining communication with constituents and backing those opposing the military junta.
Panelist
Amara Hmuee
Community Organizer, Myaung Youth Network
Returning to Myanmar in 2022 after the 2021 military coup, Amara co-founded the Myaung Youth Network in Sagaing. Committed to non-violent resistance, she orchestrates mobilizations, coordinates strikes, and leads protests against the junta’s oppression
in Myaung Township in the Sagaing Region. Beyond protests, Amara’s impactful speeches inspired change ad empowered local women. Collaborating with advocates, she nurtures democracy through unity.
Her activism reflects resilience and purpose, from mass movements to speeches, demonstrating unwavering commitment to restore democracy. She ardently believes that the unity and determination are the key to remove the junta from power and to achieve democratic
future for people of Myaung Township.
Moderator
Thinn Thiri
Program Manager, Myanmar Policy Institute
Thinn’s lineage is rooted in political activism and journalism, stemming from Myanmar’s 1962 coup. Her journey began at 18 during the 1988 uprising against the military junta, despite immense pressure. Escaping through jungles and crossing the Salween
River, she reached Thailand before pursuing journalism studies in Paris. Across nearly two decades, she advocated for free expression at Reporters Without Borders, Burma Media Association, Voice of America, and Radio Free Asia.
Since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, Thinn amplifies voices, ensuring the tales and hopes of resilient citizens resonate worldwide in their democracy restoration struggle.
Interpreter
Nang Hsu Mon Thar
Program Manager, Myanmar Policy Institute
Nang Hsu Mon Thar has been practicing as a lawyer since 2012. She worked with the British Council ( MyJustice Project) as a Legal Aid Manager, the International Commission of Jurists as a National Legal Advisor, Colors Rainbow as Program Coordinator of
the Access to Justice Program, and the International Development Law Organization as a trainer. She has experience working in the access to justice and human rights sector since 2016 in Myanmar. She is a degree holder of Master of Laws in
international law and justice from the Fordham University School of Law, NYC, and Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Post graduate Diploma in English, Diploma in International Law, and Diploma in Business Law. She published
as a co-writer of “Moving from the shadows: Law in SOGIE Rights in Myanmar Democratic transition.” David Gilbert and Nang Hsu Mon Thar, Australian Journal of Asian Law [Vol.20.No1, Article 14,2019 https://ssrn.com/abstract=3489665]
Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd
Advisor, Myanmar Policy Institute
Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd, a Professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) in Honolulu, Hawaii, holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. Her specialty encompasses research, publications,
and teaching in:
- US-Myanmar (Burma) relations
- Security dynamics in Southeast Asia
- Interactions between education, economic development, gender, the private sector, and security in the Indo-Pacific region
Previously, she served as Deputy Economic Advisor at U.S. Pacific Command in uniform and a 16-year career in the private sector. Dr. Byrd is also an Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu and serves on advisory boards at the Keck Center for
International and Strategic Studies at Claremont McKenna College, the International Development Research Centre, and the US-ASEAN Business Council Myanmar Scholarship Fund.