Chapter One: Breaking Patriarchy and Revolutionizing Myanmar
We share the following submission from a guest contributor. This is the first of six installments.
This Work is the application of "useful fiction" which combines research and perspectives with the power of fictional narratives to reach targeted audiences with greater effect than purely nonfictional narratives. In this instance, useful fiction is used to present and address the issues of gender equality and patriarchy in Myanmar through a fiction narration of the role that brave young women can play in the frontlines of the fight against the Tatmadaw and patriarchy in Myanmar. It is the Author's hope that it can lead to motivating young women from Myanmar to enter into frontline combat - the exclusive realm of men – and share the risks of combat with men. Through this, women can earn an equal position in determining the future of Myanmar beyond that typically assigned to women.
Moe Gyo
Thai-Myanmar Borderlands
November 2024
Chapter One
Setting: Late 2025 - Central Myanmar
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the dense jungles of Central Myanmar. Lt. Colonel (Retired) Hla Thiri Aung stood at the edge of a clearing, surveying the land that had witnessed generations of suffering under the oppressive regime of the Tatmadaw. She felt the weight of her mission bearing down on her - this land, this people, her people - were counting on her to lead a revolution.
Hla Thiri Aung’s parents had fled Burma in 1988, escaping the brutal military regime. Raised in the United States, she had embraced her roots while building a formidable military career in the US Army. After this distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Army’s special operations and invaluable experience working alongside the Kurdish all-female Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Rojava (Northern Syria), she returned home to Myanmar, driven by a singular goal: to establish the Women’s Liberation Front of Myanmar (WLFM), a political and armed group dedicated to empowering women in their fight against the Tatmadaw and dismantling the entrenched patriarchy that had silenced them for far too long.
The Birth of a Movement
Weeks had passed since Hla Thiri Aung's return, and she had begun gathering women from various backgrounds: teachers, nurses, farmers, and activists. Each carried a story of loss and resilience. They convened in a makeshift tent deep in the jungle, a safe space where their voices could be heard.
“Thank you all for being here,” Hla Thiri Aung began, her voice steady, but filled with emotion. “We stand on the precipice of history. Today, we are not merely forming an armed group; we are igniting a revolution. Our mission is to empower ourselves and our communities in our fight against the Tatmadaw and to dismantle the structures of patriarchy.”
Skepticism hung in the air. Many had witnessed movements rise only to fall. Hla Thiri Aung sensed their hesitation, but pressed on. “We will train in guerrilla tactics, operate drones for reconnaissance and bombing, and establish sniper units. Together, we will forge a path toward freedom.”
Aye Aye Myin, a young woman with fierce determination etched on her face, stepped forward. “What if they come for our families? How can we protect them?”
Hla Thiri Aung nodded, acknowledging the fear. “We will create safe houses, build networks of support, and ensure our families are safeguarded. We will fight for our liberation and theirs.”
Training for Tomorrow
The training began immediately, and each day was a grueling test of physical and mental endurance. The women rose before dawn for physical conditioning, followed by sessions on tactical drills, hand-to-hand combat, and marksmanship. Hla Thiri Aung pushed them hard; they needed to be prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Feel the weapon in your hands,” Hla Thiri Aung instructed during a shooting drill. “It’s not just a tool; it’s an extension of your will.”
Aye Aye Myin excelled, her aim improving with every shot. “I want to protect my family and my community,” she declared, her voice steady.
Hla Thiri Aung felt a surge of pride. “And you will. Each of you has the strength to make a difference.”
As their training progressed, Hla Thiri Aung introduced the concept of drones. She had managed to acquire several small drones equipped with cameras for surveillance and larger drones for bombing.
“Knowledge is our greatest weapon,” she explained. “These drones will help us gather intelligence on enemy movements, allowing us to plan our operations with precision. They will also weaking them with our bombs.”
The women took turns operating the drones, marveling at the view from above. The landscape unfolded like a map, revealing paths and obstacles that would aid their tactical planning and targeting.
The First Operation
After months of rigorous training, Hla Thiri Aung felt it was time for their first operational test. Intelligence indicated that a Tatmadaw supply convoy would pass through a nearby village. This was their chance to make a statement.
As night descended, the women gathered in the jungle, hearts pounding with anticipation. Hla Thiri Aung reviewed the plan, emphasizing stealth and precision. “Our goal is to disrupt their supply line, not to engage in open combat. We strike fast and fade into the shadows.”
The women nodded, steeling themselves for what lay ahead. They moved silently through the underbrush, their senses heightened as they approached the road where the convoy would pass.
As the first vehicle came into view, Hla Thiri Aung signaled for the drones to take flight. They soared into the air, providing real-time footage of the situation below. Hla Thiri Aung’s heart raced as she prepared to execute the plan.
“Now!” she shouted, and the snipers, hidden in the trees, took their positions. Gunfire erupted from the snipers followed by bombs from the drones targeting the lead and last vehicles. Smoke billowed into the night sky.
“Move quickly!” Hla Thiri Aung shouted as chaos ensued. The women sprang into action, fighting their way to the vehicles. Tatmadaw soldiers lay dead or escaped with fear. The weapons and supplies from the convoy were gathered with practiced efficiency. The women loaded their packs with whatever they could carry.
Victory and Consequence
Once they had gathered what they could, Hla Thiri Aung led her team back into the jungle. They had succeeded in their mission, but as they celebrated, a sense of dread settled over her. The Tatmadaw would retaliate.
Back at their camp, the women erupted in cheers. Hla Thiri Aung gathered them around a fire, the flames dancing in the cool night air. “We did it! We showed them that we are not afraid!” she exclaimed, pride swelling within her.
But the celebration was short-lived. Days later, news of brutal crackdowns on villages supporting the WLFM reached them. The Tatmadaw had unleashed its fury, and fear gripped the hearts of the very people they sought to protect.
Preparing for the Onslaught
Hla Thiri Aung called an emergency meeting with her command leadership team. “We need to act quickly to protect our communities,” she urged. “We must establish safe zones in the jungle and provide medical support to those affected.”
Nwe Nwe Win, a skilled medic trained in battlefield care, stepped forward. “We should train more medics to assist families and help those traumatized by the violence. Our care is just as vital as our fighting.”
“Agreed,” Hla Thiri Aung replied. “Let’s mobilize our resources and ensure that our people know we stand with them.”
They organized outreach teams, connecting with villages in need and providing medical care to those injured by the military’s reprisals. Hla Thiri Aung was determined to build trust, to show that the WLFM was not just a fighting force, but a lifeline for the community.
Building the Network
As the weeks passed, the WLFM established a network of safe zones in the jungle. Hla Thiri Aung coordinated with sympathetic families, ensuring that vulnerable individuals had a place to go when the Tatmadaw’s violence came too close.
One evening, Hla Thiri Aung visited a village recently devastated by military raids. The air was thick with fear, and she felt the weight of their suffering. Standing in front of the gathered women, she spoke with conviction.
“We are here to help,” Hla Thiri Aung assured them. “You are safe with us. We will provide you with shelter, food, and medical care.”
The gratitude in their eyes filled her with renewed determination. They were building a movement, not just for themselves, but for the generations to come.
A Dangerous Gamble
As the Tatmadaw intensified its campaign, Hla Thiri Aung realized they had to make a bold move. She called for a high-stakes operation aimed at a Tatmadaw command post rumored to be orchestrating the violence against civilians.
“This is dangerous,” Nwe Nwe Win warned during the planning session. “We need to be strategic. We cannot afford to lose anyone.”
Hla Thiri Aung nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “But if we strike at the heart of their operation, we send a message that we will not back down.”
After much deliberation, they agreed to proceed. The operation would require precise coordination and flawless execution. Hla Thiri Aung divided the women into specialized teams, assigning roles based on their strengths.
The Night of Action
Under the cloak of darkness, the WLFM advanced toward the command post. Tension crackled in the air as they moved silently through the dense jungle. Hla Thiri Aung felt the familiar adrenaline coursing through her veins, every instinct heightened.
As they approached the perimeter, Hla Thiri Aung activated the drones. “Stay alert,” she whispered, her heart racing as she prepared her team. The drones soared overhead, gathering critical reconnaissance.
“Now!” Hla Thiri Aung commanded, and gunfire erupted as snipers took aim and drones dropped their bombs. The surprise attack shattered the morning calm, the fighters of WLFM pushing forward with fierce determination.
Hla Thiri Aung fought alongside her team, each member embodying the spirit of resistance that had brought them together. They engaged the Tatmadaw forces, each bullet fired fueled by the hope of liberation.
The Price of Freedom
In the chaos of battle, Hla Thiri Aung felt the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders. As bullets flew, she heard a cry nearby. “Hla Thiri Aung! I’m hit!” A voice broke through the din. It was Aye Aye Myin.
Panic surged through her as she turned to see Aye Aye Myin on the ground, clutching her side. “No!” Hla Thiri Aung rushed to her side, her heart pounding. “Stay with me!”
Nwe Nwe Win quickly appeared, assessing Aye Aye Myin’s injury. “We need to get her stabilized!” Nwe Nwe Win shouted; her hands steady despite the chaos around them.
Hla Thiri Aung felt a mix of fear and determination as they worked to save Aye Aye Myin. “We will not lose you,” she promised, looking into Aye Aye Myin’s eyes.
With the fighting still raging, Hla Thiri Aung commanded the others to cover them. “We can’t leave her behind!”
As they stabilized Aye Aye Myin, Hla Thiri Aung’s heart raced. They had to retreat before the Tatmadaw overwhelmed them. “Fall back!” she shouted, guiding her team to safety.
After the Battle
Once they reached the jungle’s edge, Hla Thiri Aung felt the adrenaline fade, replaced by exhaustion. They had dealt a blow to the Tatmadaw, but the cost weighed heavily on her.
Gathering her team, she spoke with resolve. “We fought bravely today, and we must honor our fallen. But we cannot stop. We will continue to fight for a future where our children will not live in fear.”
The women nodded, determination shining in their eyes. They had faced danger together and emerged stronger. The WLFM was more than just an armed group; it was a beacon of hope for their communities.
A New Dawn
In the weeks that followed, the WLFM grew stronger. They continued to provide medical support and safe zones in the jungle for those affected by the military’s violence. Hla Thiri Aung felt a sense of purpose as they built trust within the community.
One morning, as the sun rose over the horizon, Hla Thiri Aung stood at the edge of their camp, contemplating the road ahead. The air was filled with the scent of wet earth and blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the battles they fought.
“Today, we begin anew,” she whispered to herself. The fight for liberation was far from over, but they had ignited a flame of hope that could not be extinguished.
The Women’s Liberation Front of Myanmar was not merely a group; it was a movement fueled by the strength of women ready to reclaim their future. Together, they would forge a path toward freedom, dismantling the chains of patriarchy oppression that had bound them for far too long.
As Hla Thiri Aung turned back to her camp, she felt the weight of her mission settle into something lighter - a shared burden among comrades. And in that moment, she knew they would continue to rise, together, forging ahead into the unknown, driven by the spirit of resistance and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.