On International Women’s Day 2025, we at Exile Hub proudly highlight the powerful stories of four extraordinary women from Myanmar’s human rights and media communities. Despite the immense challenges they face, these women continue to drive the resistance movement in their own unique ways. Recognizing the urgency for change, they stepped forward with unwavering courage and determination to #AccelerateAction.
Meet the Four Women Making a Difference:
Bee: An editor and founder of Myit Yay Se Than Magazine, she raises awareness of women’s rights violations and addresses significant gaps in gender issues at various levels.
Pyartho: A podcaster dedicated to sharing important narratives and highlighting unsung heroes to reach wider audiences.
Waso: An author of children’s book Pineapple Robots and Kids uses storytelling to educate children, particularly in conflict areas, about the dangers of landmines and airstrikes.
Ash: A digital rights advocate who focuses on empowering individuals to protect themselves and navigate monitored restrictions, enabling them to safeguard their work in exile while training others to participate in the resistance movement securely.
Women human rights defenders and media professionals in exile, like Bee, Pyartho, Waso, and Ash, face unique risks. Yet, they persist—leading change, sharing their knowledge, and strengthening their communities. Since 2021, we have supported Myanmar women journalists through various initiatives, recognizing that true empowerment is holistic—encompassing professional development, mental well-being, and personal growth. This is how we #AccelerateAction.
Our Impact: Since 2021, we have supported over 2,100 human rights defenders (HRDs), including more than 1,100 women HRDs.
Our Initiatives:
Career Planning Workshops: Helping early-career women strategize their professional paths.
Mentorship Series: Connecting emerging journalists with experienced mentors for guidance and support.
Peer-to-Peer Network: An online community for sharing updates, announcements, and opportunities.
Women Journalist Retreats: Safe spaces for rejuvenation, reflection, and connection.
Mental Well-being Workshops: Equipping women journalists with resilience to face their challenges.
Professional Development Training: Covering critical topics like pitching news stories to international outlets, trauma-informed journalism, digital journalism, and ethical reporting, ensuring participants are prepared for the evolving media landscape.
As the Managing Director of Exile Hub, I want to emphasize: “We aim to uplift these courageous women in exile, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are told—not by others but by themselves. We invite our media partners to join us in amplifying these narratives and advocating for the rights of women in Myanmar. Together, we can create a more just and equitable world.”
One of the women podcasters, Pyartho, shared her experience: "Being part of this community has given me invaluable connections, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose. After four years since the coup, it's natural to feel anxiety and other mental challenges. During this time, I participated in a Mental Wellbeing workshop hosted by Exile Hub, where I learned to manage my emotions and build my mental resilience. I also realized that I could support my community and my fellow women facing similar challenges by sharing the insights I've gained.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remain committed to supporting the brave women fighting for justice. Through collaboration, resilience, and action, we ensure their voices remain strong and their impact enduring.
These women’s stories must be heard and their struggles recognized. By sharing this video, you help amplify their voices and bring attention to the challenges they face. Join us in standing with Myanmar’s women journalists and human rights defenders by using #IWDExileHub and #AccelerateAction.
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