To All Mon Women on the Mon Women’s Day

            Today is Mon Women’s Day, which is celebrated on the birthday of a famous Mon queen, who was the only queen to reign in the history of Burma, Mi Jao Bu. On this day, I would like to take the opportunity to inform the world that organized violence against women and girls by the State has been ongoing and the situation in Burma has not changed. Without genuine political reform, no women and girls will be safe under the rule of the Burmese junta.

In Burma, women’s participation in politics is almost impossible particularly because Burma cannot enjoy democracy and human rights under the current regime. The military government in Burma refuses to respect international conventions on women.  In fact, the current regime’s well documented failure to respect basic human rights has led to specific, grievous human rights abuses against women.  In addition, Burma is one of the world’s worst offenders with respect to the practice of forced women. The rape of ethnic women by the Burmese military has a history.  Despite a long tradition of accomplished women throughout Burmese history, the political situation in Burma is so repressive as to make the realization of most women’s potential impossible.

            In the world today, women are becoming more and more independent and women can do just about anything men can. Education will help women to realize their full potential. Education is not only very important for daily life, but also for the well being of communities. Women should have a full access to education programs on gender issues. Women can help free women from the oppression they experience when they suffer domestic violence.

Women have the right to vote. Women need to be encouraged to hold political offices and to participate in other political activities according to international standards. Women should be encouraged to be a political force. Many people think women were denied the vote because they assumed that women did not have enough intelligence or interest in politics. Today, thousands of women serve in the U.S. federal government and made the greatest political gains. Women now own more than nine million small businesses and about 12 percent of the richest people in the United States are women. Globally, women make up half of the Earth’s population; They hold seats in the world’s parliaments. However, the Burmese regime fails to live up to the principles and norms of international conventions on women.

Freedom is a goal that is celebrated throughout the world.  I will now leave you all with a few words of encouragement.  I am here in America enjoying freedom. I will try my best to use my liberty to help bring peace and freedom to you. Please do not be disappointed. Keep your hopes up! 

Mi Layah Rot  Mon (Rosita Mon)

Mi Layah Rot Mon is the Secretary General of Mon Women’s Association of America (Fort Wayne Branch). This article reflects her personal opinions, not those of Mon Women’s Association of America.