Aung San Suu Kyi is not an example

“Aung San Suu Kyi, she proved women can do a lot of things in Myanmar! But when it comes to girls and other women, the country doesn’t really see them like Aung San Suu Kyi. They don’t even give us a chance to prove that we can do it.”

These are the word of Nyein from a recent podcast discussion, who took advantages of the country's democratic transition to pursue her dream of becoming a photojournalist, defying traditional gender roles in the process. She was active in documenting the ongoing developments from the earliest moments of the military coup, as she was in Nay Pyi Daw the day it was launched, and then in Hlaing Thayar during the terrible massacre on March 14th, 2021. After narrowly escaping violence, Nyein found herself targeted by the military and had to flee to Thailand. Despite having to overcome a mental breakdown wrought by the stress and trauma she experienced, she remains dedicated to her passion for photojournalism. Her journey sheds light on the dangers and obstacles faced by local reporters in Myanmar and the struggle for recognition amid the ongoing conflict.

Nyein's poignant words here highlight the dichotomy in Myanmar's perception of women in contemporary society. It is true that Aung San Suu Kyi's past leadership position showcases that women can ascend the ranks of power, but the reality for most Burmese women, especially young girls, remains constrained by gender discrimination. Nyein herself is an example of this, as she was constantly told that photojournalism was not a profession for women, and had to overcome her chosen profession’s glass ceiling. So while progress has been made, it is evident that having a female leader does not automatically eradicate deep-rooted biases. Yet Nyein's unwavering determination to pursue her passion and challenge societal norms exemplifies the emerging push for change among the younger generation, which is on full display in resisting the military regime. These individuals, like Nyein, are breaking barriers and striving to create a more inclusive and equal society, reflecting hope for a better future in Myanmar.