Depression and Revolution
Editor’s note: These posts are part of a collaboration between Tea Circle and Insight Myanmar to publish Report #3 by Real Stories Not Tale’s (RSNT). To read RSNT’s Report #1, visit Tea Circle’s posts here and Insight Myanmar’s posts here. The full RSNT Report #3 is available here. For all posts by RSNT featured on our site, check out the full list.
“I’ve realized that some women are no longer dependent on men in this ongoing battle against the coup. We will continue this battle for equality in the cities later on.”
Aye is a researcher. She was interviewed on January 12th, 2022.
"The days before the military junta took power, I had been working part-time and attending training simultaneously. The training was in Yangon and was about political research. However, after the coup, I had to stop my part-time work and training for security reasons. I had to stay with my relatives because staying at my usual home was unsafe.
I am currently living in my family home, and I lost my job because the office I used to work in has been closed due to the coup. Now, I am attending a language school and computer training school for my career. I am spending my daily life eating and sleeping these days. I have nothing special to do except help collect donations for Myanmar people. I feel as if I am wasting my time because I have no special skills and I do not have much experience in the political field. So, I feel like there’s no point in me participating in political affairs in my country. As a result, I am pretty depressed these days.
Before, I was an active person with dreams for the future. But my current situation means I have to start my life from scratch, and it feels like too much. I have regular contact with my friends but only online. Initially, I planned to apply for to study for a higher degree. But if I don’t get that chance, I want to work in my area of expertise—something I am interested in. If not, I think I might start my own business.
I have been actively involved in the resistance movement against the military coup since the beginning. The ladies from the resistance movement joined us, and they were protected during the protests. It is surprising that women who were never interested in political matters also joined in. Based on my experience, I don't feel like we had difficulties because of our gender; however, there are some limits on women’s participation because of safety and security threats. I realize that sometimes parents seem to worry more about their boys; some didn't allow their sons to go out and join the crowds.
On the other hand, many female friends went out protesting, and we were encouraged to do so. Seeing the active participation of female friends in Yangon marches was an unforgettable experience. Their involvement in the armed resistance is also quite incredible. At first, I thought we might witness gender discrimination during the protests; however, I personally was treated the same as men and noticed people were giving a helping hand to everyone.
I did not hold any critical position in the resistance movement, but I feel so privileged and proud of my participation against the military coup in Myanmar. Since I am from Yangon, sometimes I feel small when comparing myself to others who fully participate in the movement by sacrificing their lives and families. At the same time, I encourage myself by remembering that remaining opposed to the military coup is ongoing activity. I have observed that the perception of women changed after they witnessed female involvement in the protests around Myanmar. I also have some female friends who moved to the jungle and joined armed groups. Women's participation in the movement is also evident in their financial support of protesters, despite earning less than men. In contrast, some men aren’t supporting the movement and are focusing on their careers.
I agree with the situation that women have become equal partners during the protest. When it comes to my own experience as a woman, I received encouragement from my parents; they did not try to control me too much. I also recognize that my society respects women for their strong participation. I want to salute the women who joined the armed resistance and those strongly committed to the civil disobedience movement. I’ve realized that some women are no longer dependent on men in this ongoing battle against the coup. We will continue this battle for equality in the cities later on.
I am recovering from my depression slowly but surely. I try to spend more time with friends and reduce the time I spend on social media. Now I spend my time studying, watching movies and helping others as much as possible. I do not see difficulties based on gender differences nowadays.
After witnessing the political situation, the grassroots are becoming more educated and knowledgeable than ever before. What kind of sovereignty do we have in Myanmar? I hope people will be more open-minded and the situation will get better soon. I choose to ignore those who have different perspectives to mine. I encourage women not to close their eyes and ears; they must be confident about the path they are now walking on."
Real Stories Not Tales (RSNT) is a dedicated team in and out of Myanmar that aims to bring awareness to the reality of young people’s lives since the Myanmar military staged a coup on February 1st, 2021. Stories are collected through interviews with each protagonist by the team, either in Burmese or in English. Each character is drawn by a professional illustrator bringing a visual context to the story. RSNT is an anonymous name that is used by the group to guarantee security to all parties involved in the collection of the stories.