Interviews with Charm Tong

We have now the Democratic Voice of Burma [DVB], both on the radio and the television, which actually broadcasts back inside Burma, through the satellite, live satellite TV. That is actually watched by many people inside Burma. So this way we are able to collect the information that is happening inside Burma – broadcast outside and uncensored – and people inside Burma can hear, you know, and listen and watch the impact, you know, of other places inside Burma.

So this is one example. And there are other community radios also working very well to inform, you know, the people of Burma what is happening inside Burma but also outside. And at the same time, the flowing of the information of what is happening.

The Burma army is trying to block any use of the technology or device inside Burma, and make many of the calls very expensive. Not everywhere in Burma has electricity. Because even though they generate the electricity, it will all be sold out, you know, of the country. So, people are left without electricity. And the information, access to information, you know, on different fronts is very difficult.

And the block of use of the Internet is still very high. And people are being watched, you know. Even in some cities that they are able to access to Internet, the regime’s still trying to control that very strongly. But the people are still finding ways to access to all the information through different ways: whether it can be satellite TV or the radio or any kind, you know, through the CD format, you know, from various kinds, they are trying very hard.

Interviewed August 2010

Charm Tong co-founded the Shan Women’s Action Network, when she was only 17. The organization is dedicated to stopping the exploitation of and violence against women and children in 1999.

Three years later, recognizing that their lack of education leaves the Shan young people more vulnerable to being trafficked or lured into other forms of exploitation, Tong founded the School for Shan State Nationalities Youth. The school works to empower and build the capacity of students to become leaders in their communities. It is regarded as a model for human rights education and training of young people from Burma and elsewhere.

Tong has also been instrumental in launching a campaign to bring attention to the systematic use of rape of Shan women by the Burmese military. The campaign, based on a report called “License to Rape,” has received considerable international attention.

Tong has received several international awards, including the Marie Claire Women of the Year Award and the Reebok Human Rights Award. In October 2005, she met at the White House with President George W. Bush.