A special event in New York City on October 1st brought global attention to the voices of Burmese women and ethnic minorities resisting Myanmar’s military dictatorship. Titled “Voices Reflecting Dignified Unity and Resilience Within the Revolution of Burmese Women and Ethnic Minorities,” the gathering urged stronger international action from global institutions, including the United Nations.
The event featured powerful speeches, performances, and exhibits that highlighted the lived experiences and ongoing struggles under military rule. Organizers emphasized the goal of reaching key UN representatives to convey the realities faced by those on the ground.
Roundtable discussions with survivors, collaborations with international organizations, and creative displays showcased the resilience of communities across Myanmar. Opening remarks were delivered by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar; U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN; and representatives from Norway and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN).
Key officials from the National Unity Government (NUG), including Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung, were also in attendance, alongside representatives from UN agencies and members of the local Burmese ethnic community. Approximately 130 people participated in the event.
Programs included survivor testimonies, revolutionary songs, documentary screenings, poetry readings, and exhibits. Attendees viewed handmade crafts by women in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), photos and accounts from survivors of sexual violence, and displays about Myanmar’s conflicts and natural resource exploitation. Maps detailing economic ties with neighboring countries and traditional cultural exhibitions were also featured.
The event was organized by a coalition of advocacy groups including the Burma Advocacy Group, Women Advocacy Coalition–Myanmar, and Women’s League of Burma, with support from the UN’s Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and ICAN.
