The Rise of the WLFM: A Revolution Against Oppression in Myanmar

This is the fourth installment in Moe Gyo’s submission exploring the role of Burmese women in the revolution against the military junta.

The sun hung low over the rugged hills of Central Myanmar, casting long shadows across the forest floor. It was here, among the whispers of the trees and the distant echoes of resistance, that the WLFM had taken root and begun to flourish.

A Call to Arms

The call had gone out like a clarion bell, reverberating through villages and towns, reaching the ears of young women yearning for change. Flyers were distributed, and messages spread through clandestine networks, igniting a fire in the hearts of those who had long felt the weight of patriarchy's chains. "Join us," the message declared, "in our fight for liberation, not just from the Tatmadaw, but from the shackles of a society that has marginalized us for far too long."

With each passing week, the ranks of the WLFM swelled. Women from diverse backgrounds - students, workers, mothers - arrived at the camps, driven by stories of oppression and a desire to reclaim their autonomy. They brought with them skills, talents, and experiences that enriched the movement, transforming it into a melting pot of ideas and strategies. What had started as a modest gathering of women united by a common cause had rapidly transformed into a formidable force of over 300 fighters, divided into six well-organized columns.

Manifesto of Liberation

Amidst this burgeoning spirit of camaraderie and purpose, the leadership of the WLFM convened for a critical meeting. The atmosphere was charged with urgency and determination as they drafted the Myanmar Women’s Liberation Manifesto. This document would serve as both a guiding light and a rallying cry for their mission. It outlined their aims to dismantle patriarchy in all sectors of Myanmar society - political, economic, cultural, and social.

"We are not merely fighters; we are revolutionaries," Hla Thiri Aung proclaimed, her voice steady and resolute. "Our fight is for every woman who has been silenced, every girl who has been denied her rights. We will challenge the status quo, confront the norms that oppress us, and forge a path towards equality."

The manifesto emphasized the importance of solidarity among women, the necessity of education, and the empowerment of future generations. It called for an end to gender-based violence, equal access to resources, and representation in all decision-making processes. As the final lines were penned, a sense of clarity and purpose filled the room; this was more than a document - it was a declaration of war against oppression.

An International Movement

As the WLFM gained momentum, news of their efforts reached women across the globe. Inspired by their courage, internationalist women began to answer the call. From the cities and villages of Latin America, Europe, and Asia, to the war-torn landscapes of Northern Syria, women from diverse backgrounds and experiences arrived, united by a shared vision of liberation. Together, they formed an International Column of over fifty women fighters, a testament to the power of global solidarity in the face of tyranny.

Among the internationalists was Sidar, a seasoned female Kurdish YPJ fighter from Rojava in Northern Syria, whose expertise in guerrilla warfare and grassroots organizing brought invaluable knowledge to the WLFM. Accompanying her were ten other women from the YPJ, whose stories of resistance against the Islamic State, especially in the liberation of Kobani in 2015, had become legends. Because of her battlefield knowledge and experience against both the Islamic State and the Turkish military invaders, Hla Thiri Aung made Sidar the commander of the International Column and a trusted comrade in the WLFM.

The arrival of these international fighters not only bolstered the ranks of the WLFM but also infused the movement with fresh perspectives on liberation. The women exchanged strategies, shared experiences, and, most importantly, developed a collective understanding of the interconnections between their struggles.

Building the Myanmar Women's Liberation Manifesto

With the guidance of the international fighters, the WLFM set to work on refining their Myanmar Women’s Liberation Manifesto. They held workshops and discussions, creating a space for all voices to be heard. Women from different backgrounds shared their stories, highlighting the unique challenges they faced under patriarchy. The Manifesto evolved, incorporating these narratives into its framework.

"We must recognize that our struggle is not isolated; it is part of a larger fight against all forms of oppression," one fighter emphasized during a discussion. "The fight for women's liberation in Myanmar is intrinsically linked to the struggles faced by women in every corner of the globe."

As they crafted their Manifesto, the women acknowledged the importance of intersectionality. They understood that race, class, and culture all played pivotal roles in shaping the experiences of women. This awareness allowed them to formulate a more inclusive vision for their movement, one that embraced diversity as a strength rather than a divide.

Training and Solidarity

With the manifesto taking shape, the WLFM organized intensive training sessions for its members. The international fighters led workshops on tactical skills, self-defense, and psychological resilience. Women learned not only how to wield weapons, but also how to cultivate a sense of community and support amidst the chaos of war.

Every morning, the camp echoed with the sounds of drills and laughter. Women shared meals, sang songs of liberation, and bonded over shared struggles. The camaraderie forged in the face of adversity became a powerful source of motivation, fueling their determination to fight against the Tatmadaw and the deeply ingrained patriarchy that permeated Myanmar society.

In the evenings, they gathered around fires, sharing stories of their lives before joining the WLFM. Each tale added a layer of understanding and connection. They spoke of dreams, losses, and aspirations, weaving a tapestry of resilience that united them all.

Preparing for the Fight

As the training intensified, so did their strategic planning. The leadership knew that they were preparing for a monumental confrontation. The Tatmadaw, with its vast resources and military might, posed a significant threat. However, the WLFM was no longer merely reactive; they were becoming proactive in their strategies, inspired by the lessons learned from their international allies.

They conducted reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence on enemy movements and fortifications. The International Column worked closely with the local fighters, sharing knowledge of guerrilla tactics honed in various theaters of conflict. Each small victory - an ambush, a successful raid - reinforced their resolve and belief in their cause.

The Road Ahead

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the women of the WLFM gathered once more to reflect on their journey thus far. Their numbers had swelled, their skills sharpened, and their resolve solidified. They were no longer just a group of fighters; they were a movement poised to challenge the very foundations of oppression in Myanmar.

"We stand on the precipice of history," Hla Thiri Aung declared, her voice resonating with conviction. "Together, we will confront the Tatmadaw and dismantle the structures of patriarchy that bind us. This is our time, and we will not be silenced."

The fires of their determination flickered brightly in the gathering dusk, illuminating the path ahead. With the winds of change at their backs, the WLFM was ready to embark on a journey that would challenge the very essence of oppression, not just for themselves, but for women everywhere.