Hnin Win's Journey of Activism, Loss, and Hope in the Fight for Myanmar's Democracy

From Father's Office to the Frontlines of Myanmar's Revolution

Hnin Win, a Burmese Australian activist, never truly understood her father until the military coup in Myanmar. "He wasn't a great father, but he's my hero," she says. Their connection blossomed amidst the turmoil, revealing a shared passion for fighting for democracy.

Hnin was living in Yangon, running the city's first female-run pub, when the military seized power in February 2021. The coup shattered the country's fragile democracy and sparked nationwide protests. Hnin, inspired by her father's past as a student activist, joined the resistance.

Her home became a hub for the movement, offering refuge, supplies, and training to protesters. Hnin's father, Htun Htun Lay Win, a veteran of the 1988 uprising, reconnected with his daughter through their shared commitment to the cause. They discussed the differences between their generations' struggles, finding solace and strength in their united purpose.

Forced to flee Myanmar, Hnin continued her fight from Thailand. She founded A New Burma, a creative collective documenting the atrocities and resilience of the people through art. Their exhibitions and events have shone a light on the military's brutality and the unwavering spirit of resistance.

Hnin's father passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on in her unwavering dedication to the revolution. "He's definitely proud of me," she says. Hnin continues to fight for her people, carrying the torch of freedom ignited by her father's activism.

Despite the ongoing struggle, Hnin remains hopeful. "We are sustaining our revolution and our fight," she says. "We must not lose who we are." The spirit of resistance burns brightly in Hnin, fueled by the love for her country and the memory of her hero, her father.