Interviews with Wai Wai Nu

Of course there are many risks. As a woman and also as a [member of] a minority and also as a former political prisoner or political activist.

It is very risky because we don’t have rule of law until now. We don’t have [judicial] independence and a fair judiciary system. So we can be arrested any time. You can see now the continuous arrests of activists and journalists.

We are not feeling secure enough. We always have fear [of] when we will be arrested. I personally have fear of being killed by someone.

The main challenge is not having security, not feeling secure enough. And also, as a woman, there are some other cultural risks. When we work with men, when we work with society, especially [for] young women there are a lot of risks, getting recognition, respect, dealing with different people. So it is a very challenging situation.

But as I told you, having had [myself] many experiences of injustice, I don’t want other people in Myanmar to face those unjust situations.

So I only see that the way we can bring more justice is in democracy. So I choose this way to get democracy. And I would like to find justice, freedom and equality in democracy.

So that is the only reason [why] I choose this way. I choose the risks and challenges to continue to work for justice, democracy and freedom for everyone in Burma.

Wai Wai Nu is a Burmese freedom activist. She’s a former political prisoner and the co-founder of Justice for Women. She is also the founder and director of the Women Peace Network Arakan.

As a teenager, Wai Wai Nu was arrested and imprisoned by the government because of her father’s political activism. During her seven-year incarceration, she reflected frequently on the injustices she experienced as a political prisoner and the general state of freedom in Burma.

Since her release from prison in 2012, Wai Wai Nu has dedicated herself to working for democracy, human rights, and women’s rights. She has worked on behalf of marginalized women and in support of equality and justice for all women in Burma. Through her two organizations, she leads women’s empowerment trainings, women’s rights trainings, basic legal education, and peace-building activities.

Wai Wai Nu recently earned her law degree and is focusing on justice issues for women. She was also a member of the George W. Bush Institute’s inaugural Liberty and Leadership Forum.