Suzanne and Ruth are joined by Breanna & W.T., the creative directors behind the Fight Like a Garment Worker storytelling initiative. Long before the coup Myanmar's garment workers faced oppression, brutality and a lack of basic human rights, but with Myanmar going back under military control they are at greater risk than ever before. Myanmar’s garment workers were one of the first groups to take to the streets back in February publicly showing their opposition to the coup and leading the protests. But since then they find themselves often left out of the conversation and feel almost abandoned. While other demographics in society are often lauded and hailed as heroes the garment workers are not held in the same esteem despite their continued bravery in taking a stand against all forms of oppression. They have suffered under every government in Myanmar, even the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and continue to be exploited by multinational corporations and unethical business owners who hide behind loopholes and turn a blind eye as factory bosses infringe upon their basic human rights. Here Breanna & WT highlight the horrid conditions garment workers are forced to endure in their workplaces and the constant threats and intimidation they face on a daily basis. They also discuss the wider aims of the Fight like a Garment Worker initiative: telling the garment workers stories in their own words with the hope of drawing awareness to their plight and ensuring there is a place for them in a new Myanmar, where they can work with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

The ah nah: Conversations with Myanmar podcast was born from a desire to bring into public consciousness the atrocities that are currently being committed in Myanmar (also known as Burma). Our goal is simply to keep the conversation going, and to let the people of Myanmar know that they have not been forgotten. You can subscribe to this podcast on all major podcasting apps, including Apple, Spotify and Acast. You can also follow us on all our social media pages, linked below. If you’d like to reach out, please email us or fill out this form to add your voice to the conversation (https://tinyurl.com/3ee7ssm9).

Credits:

Song: Kabar Makyay Bu (Until the End of the World), was written and recorded by Naing Myanmar, it became the revolutionary anthem of the 1988 pro-democracy movement and could be heard once again all over Myanmar during the 2021 Coup. Naing Myanmar maintains that the song is no longer his, since the '88 uprising “it belongs to everyone”.

Graphics: SelinaXin

Sound Effects: https://mixkit.co

*Special thanks to Breanna & WT and all those involved in the FLGW initiative who continue to lift the voices of the most forgotten in Myanmar, but most of all thank you the very brave and courageous garment workers of Myanmar who have spoken out and continue to fight back against all forms of dictatorship. You can read the FLGW stories by clicking on the links below:

The Snare: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWs5hqPIGam/

Handmade Dreams: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWLOs1lo9sz/

The Vicious Circle: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXEmhTBooRX/

Thanks for listening, and remember to #KeepTheConversationGoing! Myanmar, we have not forgotten you.

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