A Burmese woman won 2012 International Women of Courage Award

The US secretary of State, First Lady and 2012 International Women of Courage Award Winners(source:state.gov)

Zin Mar Aung, a Burmese activist for women’s rights, received the International Women of Courage Award from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington, D.C on March 08,2012.


During the ceremony for the award, Mrs.Clinton states:


Eleven years in a Burmese prison could not silence Zin Mar Aung.  Her life’s work has been promoting democracy, women’s rights, and conflict resolution in Burma.  Today, she leads a self-help association for female ex-political prisoners as well as a school of political science.  Her efforts have allowed former prisoners to take advantage of rebuilding their lives, even when her activism jeopardized her own freedom.  She continues to raise awareness of issues affecting ethnic minorities in this evolving environment for civil society and democracy activists.


So, Zin, you are a democracy activist, and so:  “For championing democracy, strengthening civil society, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the political transformation of your country, we thank you and salute you.” 


According to the State Department, the prestigious U.S. award annually recognizes women around the world who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since the inception of the award in 2007, the Department of State has honored 46 women from 34 different countries.

Zin Mar Aung (Burma)

Zin Mar Aung is a former political prisoner, imprisoned for eleven years because of her political activism and has dedicated her life to promoting democracy, women’s empowerment, and conflict resolution in Burma. Following her involvement in the 1996 and 1998 pro-democracy student uprisings and subsequent imprisonment, she established a cultural impact studies group to promote the idea that democracy is compatible with Asian culture. She also created and leads a self-help association for female ex-political prisoners and a political science school in Rangoon, which teaches and empowers civil society activists in Burma’s changing but still challenging environment. She is also the co-founder of a women’s empowerment group, and is currently spearheading an organization to raise awareness of issues affecting ethnic minorities in conflict areas.
 
As a woman from Burma, I am so proud of Zin Mar Aung. 

Zin Mar Aung

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