Healing through Music: Defying Silence in Myanmar

• Dr. Elizabeth, a former interventional cardiologist from Myanmar, turned to music and activism while living in exile in Thailand.
• After refusing to work under the 2021 military coup and facing charges under Section 505(a), she fled to Mae Sot in 2022.
• She uses music as a tool for healing and resistance, creating viral protest anthems and the multimedia series, "The Phoenixes."

Background and Activism

• Elizabeth’s interest in social justice began early, inspired by literature and a sense of duty to challenge workplace injustices during her medical residency.
• She was among the first healthcare workers to publicly protest the 2021 military takeover, which led to government charges of spreading false news and inciting unrest.
• Her experience in exile led to a deeper understanding of feminist principles, which she defines as a commitment to kindness and collective action against suffering.

Artistic Resistance in Exile

• Through partnerships with organizations like Exile Hub, she found a community of fellow activists and women in exile.
• She wrote and composed protest music, including an anthem for the "Blood Money Campaign" and the track "Tattoo Revolution," which was featured on NUG Radio.
• With the aid of a Feminist Storytelling Grant, she is producing "The Phoenixes," a music video series highlighting the creativity and resilience of Myanmar women living outside their home country.
• Her ongoing work integrates rhythm and hope, aiming to provide a platform for her peers to share their own stories and pursue their creative ambitions.