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(English)Text of Daw Aung San Suu K



Subject: (English)Text of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Message for Women of Burma

Day 1999
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Embargoed until June 19, 1999. (00:01 BKK Time)

Statement by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
General Secretary, National League for Democracy
To Mark Women of Burma Day June 19, 1999

It is only by treating women with respect and by giving them their rightful
place that we can build a modern, progressive society.  In Burma, as in
other parts of the world, we need to work harder to correct the injustices
that have been imposed upon women throughout history: Lack of respect for
their gender, lack of equal opportunities with men in acquiring
professional skills, discrimination in the workplace, fewer chances of
serving in high administrative posts.  

Half a century ago at the time Burma regained her independence, the women
of our country enjoyed a reputation for their vigor and progressiveness,
and for their ability to work shoulder to shoulder with their men folk.
Today, it is especially important for our women to work actively to
overcome the difficulties with which our country is faced.  According to a
number of psychologists, women are better able to cope than men in crisis
situations.  We should use this ability to bring peace and progress to our
country, and to better the condition of peoples the world over.  There is a
great need for our women of Burma to use their capabilities to bring
democracy and human rights to our country.  It is no longer possible even
for housewives to keep out of politics, because politics has invaded the
traditional domain of housewives.  The root cause of upward spiraling
commodity prices, greatly increased charges for electricity, and rising
costs of education and health care is a political one.  

As our country is a union of many peoples, it is only by building
understanding and unity between the different ethnic groups that we will be
able to achieve genuine success in any cause that we undertake.  Therefore,
I would like to request the women of all the ethnic nationalities of Burma
to strive together for our country.  The majority of the women who have
been driven by economic and political problems to live beyond our borders
as refugees are Karen, Mon, and others of our sisters from the ethnic
nationalities.  I would like to appeal to international aid organizations
to help these women who are struggling to cope with the difficulties of
refugee existence.  Let me also send a message of support to our refugee

sisters who await a future when they can return to their own land.  We are
working hard that you may be able to come back soon to a Burma that will be
a refuge for all our ethnic nationalities.  Please do not lose heart.

I would also like to take the opportunity to honor those women who are
making so many sacrifices for the cause of democracy and human rights in
Burma.  In particular, I would like to mention women political prisoners
and the wives, daughters, and mothers of political prisoners.  With
perseverance and with the loyal commitment to our political objectives, our
cause will surely prevail.  Let us all walk forward together with firm
hearts and minds to build a peaceful, prosperous union.  

I send my warm greetings and love to the women of Burma.  

[ENDS]

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