Celebration for activist

[ausgeo@xxxxxxx]

June 20, 1997

BANGKOK POST

BURMA WOMEN'S DAY

Celebration for activist

Andrew Hiransomboon


The international launch of Burma Women's Day was held last night at a Bangkok 
hotel on the occasion of democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi's 52nd birthday.

Co-organised in Thailand by local and regional NGOs, the event was one of many 
celebrations held throughout the world, including other cities such as New 
Dehli, Osaka, Manila and Washington D.C.

The keynote speaker was Constitution Drafting Assembly member Sunee 
Chaiyarose, a human rights activist who, like Suu Kyi, was once a political 
prisoner.

"As the struggle in Burma for democracy is a struggle for all of us, the whole 
world received a gift in the form of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," she told the 
audience of about 100 people, mostly members of NGOs and other activists.

"On this occasion we would like to announce our full support and solidarity 
for Aung San Suu Kyi, and wish her good health and success in her struggle for 
human rights," she said.

According to Debbie Stothard of the Alternative Asean Network on Burma, Suu 
Kyi wanted those assembled to know that she was "aware of the launch and aware 
of the functions on this day".

Ms Stothard also said that Suu Kyi "supported the idea of Burma Women's Day".

The idea for International Burma Women's Day was hatched in Thailand by 
members of women's groups over two months ago as a way of drawing attention to 
the plight of women in Burma.

Closer to home, local women's groups also hope to use the occasion as an 
opportunity to bring Thai and Burmese women together. "Women in Burma need the 
help of their Thai sisters," added Ms Stothard.