Before the military coup in Myanmar, I worked in a non-governmental organization in Yangon. I was stressed because the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar had put most projects on hold. When the time came to reopen businesses, and as we were slowly getting used to the “new normal”, the military’s terrible power-grab drew me back to a hopeless feeling. I remember first checking the news on the day of the coup at exactly 6:02 am. The DVB news announced that the military was seizing power, and my friends were also sharing the news on social media. Around 7 am, I noticed people had started to panic buy. By 8 am, there was an internet blackout. I had been worried for our country before the coup, but at that moment, I was terrified that we had fallen back into a very dark past. 

After the coup, I relocated to my native town because staying in Yangon was no longer safe: the presence of soldiers around my apartment in Yangon brought up fears of imminent arrest, and there were still other unpredictable risks. Still, I continued to work with the same organization but kept a low profile. But moving meant I could not continue with my activism. 

Fortunately, my family is safe, and we continue to have regular communication––but I still cannot be open about my identity. Discussing my family and the current political unrest has brought back many difficult memories. During the 1988 uprising, my family was harmed and discriminated against because they did not belong to the same ethnic and religious group. My father witnessed one of his friends being shot right before his eyes. My family has gone through a lot and has endured a tough life. So, when the February coup happened, it brought much worry and panic. They asked me to listen to their concerns, and so, I did.

All my plans have been upended by the coup. In February 2021, I had plans to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. I was improving my English skills while also fighting for women’s rights in Myanmar. But after the coup, I decided not to go abroad and stay put instead. Some of my friends overseas invited me to stay with them, but my decision was firm.

As a female activist, I was satisfied with my participation in the protests. I was also glad to see female activists like Ei Thinzar Maung leading the marches. Women were empowered during the demonstrations, although there were always persistent and noticeable gender discrimination and bias. For example, women were forced to stay at the back, away from the front lines. Nonetheless, I saw many women participating in the protests: working-class women, the LGBTQ community, and women with disabilities. They were all loving and defending our country and our rights with their whole hearts.