Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese political leader. When she won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee released a statement about her in recognition of her work. Part of it stated that:

"She became the leader of a democratic opposition which employs non-violent means to resist a regime characterized by brutality. She also emphasizes the need for conciliation between the sharply divided regions and ethnic groups in her country...Suu Kyi's struggle is one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades. She has become an important symbol in the struggle against oppression...the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour this woman for her unflagging efforts and to show its support for the many people throughout the world who are striving to attain democracy, human rights and ethnic conciliation by peaceful means" (Aung, p. 236-237).

Also, the European Parliament of twelve countries awarded her the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1990 for her nonviolent efforts in trying to restore democracy to Burma. From 1989-1995, she was placed under house arrest by the military dictatorship that rules Burma. She is the daughter of Aung San , a martyred national hero of independent Burma and a liberation leader, and Khin Kyi, a prominent Burmese diplomat. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was influenced by Mohandas Gandhi in the philosophy of non-violent protest as a means of bringing democracy to her country.

She was born on June 19, 1945 in Rangoon, Burma (now known as Yangon, Myanamar). She was two years old when her father was assassinated. He was the de facto prime minister of the soon to be independent Burma. She went to school in Burma until 1960, when her mother was appointed ambassador to India. She studied in India and went on to further her education in England by attending the University of Oxford. There, she met her future husband, Michael Aris, and had two children. In 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi returned to Myanamar to take care of her dying mother. While there, she saw the mass slaughter of protesters by the military government and the brutal rule of the military ruler, Ne Win. This event lead her to speak out against him and to begin a peaceful struggle for democracy and human rights. She co-founded the National League for Democracy (NLD), the main opposition party in Myanamar. The NLD won more than 80% of the parliamentary seats that were viable in 1990. The results were ignored by the military government, which refused to let the elected parliament convene. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest where she was unable to communicate with anyone until 1995. She was released and given permission to leave the country quietly. Suu Kyi refused to do so until the country was returned to civilian government and political prisoners were freed.

After looking at her accomplishments and her background, we must look at why Suu Kyi has gained support both domestically and internationally. The overall reason is that the Burmese people want democracy. Suu Kyi writes that democracy is seen as not only as a form of government but as part of the social and ideological system that is based on respect for the individual. Many want democracy because they want the basic human rights that guarantee a peaceful and dignified way of life that is free from want and fear. As Suu Kyi puts it:

"The quest for democracy in Burma is the struggle of a people to live whole, meaningful lives as free and equal members of the world community. It is part of the unceasing human endeavour to prove that the spirit of man can transcend the flaws of his own nature" (Ibid., 179). This is important to these people. They want to experience the freedom and joy many of us in democratic countries have. It is not an impossible goal to them because many feel that they can win.

Aung San Suu Kyi inspired hope in her people. She is the daughter of a national hero, who came back from living abroad to help her home country. She is her father' s daughter, following in his footsteps to make sure Burma belongs to the people. Her refusal to leave the country quietly showed her dedication and belief in the struggle. Even though her father died when she was only two, his legacy has affected her deeply. Suu Kyi refers to a part of her father's speech he gave about democracy. It said that democracy is the only ideology that the Burmese people should aim for because it promoted and strengthened peace. In order for this to be successful, the people need to be united and disciplined in this struggle. If unity is missing, then the purpose of this struggle is meaningless. The lack of discipline is also important because this means that the political system will not work.

Suu Kyi wants everyone to realize that she cannot achieve the goal of democracy by herself. She can be the symbol of their struggle, but others must get involved and participate. Even if some do not like what she has to say, they must at least support the idea of democracy. This is Aung San Suu Kyi. She is a peace hero in every sense and as Vaclav Havel says in his Foreword, "an example of the power of the powerless" (Ibid., Foreword). She is fighting for the rights of the common people because no one else will. She was willing to challenge a military government known for its brutality and harassment of opposition. Her fear did not stop her from doing what was right, even if it meant her life. She knew what was important and realized the sacrifices that had to be made. Aung San Suu Kyi still fights to this very day for democracy to come to Myanmar, and wants to be able to enjoy it with the people.

Learn More: Burma: The Military Boots Keep Marching in Place by Rene Wadlow, November 10, 2005