Exile Hub is a partner of Global Voices that formed after the 2021 coup. It works to empower journalists and human rights defenders from Myanmar. Elizabeth grew up in Central Myanmar and spent many hours in her aunt's small book rental shop. In medical school she began a blog and published love poems and short health pieces about handwashing and wearing motorcycle helmets. She graduated in 2012 from the University of Medicine and later specialised in interventional cardiology.
When the military seized power in 2021, Elizabeth refused to work under the junta and live-streamed messages to encourage healthcare workers to resist. Authorities charged her under Section 505(a). She hid for about a year and then crossed into Mae Sot, Thailand, in 2022. In Mae Sot she joined a wellness session and connected with exiled women supported by Exile Hub. With a Feminist Residency and a storytelling grant she is creating The Phoenixes, a music video series for women in exile.
Difficult words
- exile — living away from your home country
- coup — a sudden change of government by force
- empower — give power or confidence to someone
- junta — a military group that controls a country
- specialise — train or focus on one area of workspecialised
- cardiology — medical study of the heart and its problems
- charge — officially accuse someone of a crimecharged
- grant — money given to support a project
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would you feel if you had to leave your country?
- Have you ever written a blog or a short story? What was it about?
- Why is support for journalists and human rights defenders important in exile?
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