Other Initiatives

Policy writing

I recently started contributing to the Platform for Peace and Humanity, an international civic association that promotes humanitarian values through international law. The organisation provides research-driven monitoring, specialist expertise, and policy advocacy on humanitarian and human security matters, with the aim of advancing the progressive development of international law in the service of peace.

While its work is organised across several regional programmes, I focus on the Indo-Pacific program, with a focus on emerging human security threats in Southeast Asia.

My first published article examines the growth of transnational scam centres in the region and their links to trafficking, coerced labour, and cyber-enabled exploitation.

Myanmar activism

Upon moving in Myanmar in 2019, I quickly developed a profound appreciation for the country and its remarkable people. In February 2021, the military staged a coup, leading to significant political and economic instability. In the aftermath, many abandoned their occupations to join resistance movements. Intensifying conflicts led to a notable increase in internally displaced persons. These events disrupted livelihoods, education, and access to essential resources. The ensuing economic crisis, characterized by soaring inflation and the devaluation of the Myanmar Kyat, disproportionately affected food prices, contributing to heightened food insecurity.

As the people of Myanmar strive for their fundamental rights, I am dedicated to supporting them in any way I can.

A few months following the coup, while looking for ways to support the country, I connected with Abby, a university student in Myanmar, and co-founded Coup & Canvas.

Coup & Canvas is a fundraising platform dedicated to showcasing the talents of Myanmar's artists and artisans, with profits directed towards aiding populations affected by the coup. Additionally, Coup & Canvas organizes awareness campaigns addressing key issues in Myanmar.

We function as a small organization with a handful of individuals working on a volunteer basis, united by a common interest in supporting Myanmar.

A few highlights of our work at Coup & Canvas

We launched our social media platforms in 2021, primarily using Instagram and Facebook for fundraising efforts. Our main founder, Abby, shared her post-coup experiences and discussed Coup & Canvas' journey in a podcast.

Some of our initiatives included:

Collaborating with various artists to create original products featuring their work, including tote bags, postcards, posters, and more.
Launching a campaign inviting artists to contribute their pieces on the theme of "eliminating violence against women."
Partnering with other Myanmar-led initiatives to host fundraising events, such as an art exhibition in Singapore.

Selling some of our products at a fundraising event in Thailand

An example of our products

Exhibition in Singapore

If you would like to know more about Coup & Canvas, to work with us (as an artist/artisan or to support our team), or to support us or Myanmar, feel free to contact me or to email us at coupandcanvas.myanmar@gmail.com

Other upcoming ideas...

Myanmar possesses a rich history of textile production. With over 135 ethnic groups, many of these have their own textile traditions, including traditional weaving techniques. Together with an inspiring Burmese woman in Myanmar, we aspire to start a social enterprise promoting textiles from various ethnic populations Myanmar while providing income-generating opportunities for ethnic women who are one of the most affected groups in the midst of the economic crisis following the coup.

We plan to launch the small business soon... so stay updated!

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