In this edition we celebrate the brave women inside and outside Burma working tirelessly for sustainable change against a ruthless dictatorship. A chorus of leading voices will expose you to unrelenting hope amidst the struggle to free the people of Burma from humanitarian crimes that have been worsening for decades. Read on to discover what you can do to join hands with these valiant leaders and hasten Burma's freedom.

The Perfect Storm: Women leaders summon the winds of change

Reuters

"Nearly a decade ago, I stood under an umbrella in the wet streets of Rangoon, blocks away from Aung San Suu Kyi's home. I held flowers in my hand and had plans to quietly leave them at her gate. But a military barricade blocked the street, and, as I approached, an armed soldier walked towards me shouting and gesturing with his rifle."

Read more from Jensine Larsen, World Pulse Founder.

Featured Articles

Washington Post

Raising the Voices of Burma's People
by Charm Tong, as told to Ramya Ramanathan

"For us—the women of Burma—we know that we are not alone. The messages of solidarity from the international community keep us going. They keep us working together, believing that one day there will be change in Burma."

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Hseng Noung Lintner

Up the Mountains and Down the Hills
by Hseng Noung Lintner

"My classmates from the surrounding townships told me of the tangerine and pineapple plantations and the waterfalls and hot springs in their villages. But they also told me of the military operations—how army soldiers burned their villages; how they forced the people to carry heavy loads; how they tortured and killed; how they raped the village women."

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UN.org

Burning Questions for Khin Ohmar: On the forefront of Burma's future
by Jensine Larsen

"Raise your voice internationally to end this regime. Target the UN, target your governments, and do everything you can to push this regime towards political change for the people of Burma." —Khin Ohmar

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Frontline Voices

Voices of Hope

The following women represent just some of the courageous women leaders working tirelessly on the front lines of the movement for a democratic Burma. Click here to read their inspiring words and calls to action.

Related Articles

The WIP

Rape in Burma: A Weapon of War, by Cheery Zahau
(The WIP)

"I am convinced that only the genuine political shift to democracy, restoration of the rule of law, establishment of a civilian government, and a withdrawal of Burmese Army troops from ethnic areas will bring an end to the systematic sexual violence in Burma."

Who Will Save Burma's Women and Children?, by Nilar Thein (The Nation)

Nilar is a human rights defender "on the run" from the military. Although she is separated from her 10-month-old daughter, she continues to help lead the movement for freedom in Burma.

"I woke up from a dream in the middle of the night. I was with my daughter, playing in a small garden..."

Urgent Call for the Release of Aung San Suu Kyi (PDF) (The Women's League of Burma)

"Free our people's leader or face dire consequences."

Action Center

Join the US Campaign for Burma

Join this powerful campaign to receive regular updates about actions you can take in support of Burma.

Send a letter to the UN Security Council

Urge Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to take action to ensure that international aid reaches the people of Burma.

Direct your donation dollars to the following women-led projects.

Support Women-led Projects Providing Relief for Victims of Cyclone Nargis

Other Organizations to Give To: Donate to Dr. Cynthia Maung's Mae Tao Clinic Just 100 USD will cover the cost of training a healthcare worker to work in Burma's conflict zones. Donate to ALTSEAN-Burma ALTSEAN-Burma, a network of organizations and individuals based in ASEAN member states, is a tireless supporter for democracy in Burma. Donate to Thirst-Aid With a team inside Burma and multiple-use visas already in place, Thirst-Aid was able to respond immediately following Cyclone Nargis. Donate to keep their relief efforts going.