March 2nd, 2010 New York City

The first session of testimony, Violence Against Women, has just come to a close.  Already, those of us listening to the testimonies are in awe of the courage of those testifying.  What has become clear over the course of the first four testimonies are the ways in which multiple forces compound to victimize and re-victimize the women of Burma.

Sitting here before the start of the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma, the auditorium is abuzz with excitement.  There is a distinct sense that something important is about to happen.  The room is steadily filling with hundreds of women and men, reviewing their programs, anticipating the stories of incredible courage they are about to witness. 

 
In Burma I was a colleague of Aung San Suu Kyi and a very active member of Generation 88. My husband and I spoke up in the face of violence and were persecuted because of this. We were arrested and imprisoned separately for trying to protect people who were being violently attacked by Burmese military soldiers. While in prison I was sexually abused when I was subjected to invasive, humiliating and unnecessary "medical examinations" in front of male soldiers.