“Maw MiMar” — This name is well-known not only among the displaced people living in refugee camps along the Thailand-Karenni State border but also among the residents of Karenni (Kayah) State, recognized by all as a woman who passionately and tirelessly dedicates herself to the region's educational development.

Maw MiMar, 44, currently serves as both the Deputy Minister of Education for the Government of Karenni State, organized by the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and as the Senior Director of the Education Department under the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), all while pursuing her own studies at a university in Thailand.

Maw MiMar expressed her firm belief that education is a powerful tool capable of transforming everything, which is why she has dedicated her life to advancing the education field.

"I grew up in an area with very limited educational opportunities, where proper schools simply didn’t exist. Since there were no government schools, children had to depend on makeshift, self-reliant schools. I don’t want our children and the new generation to face the same struggles we did. I’m committed to doing what I can to expand educational opportunities for them. I want to collaborate with educational experts and international scholars to enhance the education system in our region, while applying my own experiences. My goal is to help establish an education system that aligns with the local community and supports long-term development. That’s why I’m fully committed to this work,” she said.

She is deeply saddened that school-age children in Karenni State have been deprived of their right to education due to the conflicts that erupted after the coup. Nevertheless, she urges war-affected people to seize every possible opportunity to continue their education, even in the most challenging times.

From refugee education to international education

Maw MiMar, born to revolutionary parents and raised in a resistance stronghold, received an education centered on the revolution during her childhood. When the junta staged a coup in 2021, triggering the 'Spring Revolution,' many young students faced the same educational and security challenges she had experienced in her youth.

"When I was young, our family was constantly on the move, never able to settle down. We always had to be ready to flee at any moment and remain vigilant. Parents would find spots under the shade of trees for their children to sleep and study,” she recalled, reflecting on her harsh childhood experiences.

The constant worry of "When will we have to flee again?" and "Where will we be displaced next?" haunted young Maw MiMar throughout her childhood, which was filled with uncertain tomorrows. Yet, despite these hardships, she remained committed to her education, always carrying a small bag packed with books and stationery so she could study whenever she found the opportunity.

"I always told myself that if we had to flee suddenly, even if I couldn’t take anything else, I would make sure to grab my bag,” she said. That little bag was the most cherished, valuable, and indispensable possession of her childhood.

In the years following 1975, fierce fighting erupted between the KNPP and the Myanmar military. During that time, young Maw MiMar, then of school age, was frequently displaced due to the ongoing battles, pursuing her education in whatever way she could amidst the turmoil.

In 1994, with the approval of Thai authorities, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) established refugee camps for Karenni people displaced by war who had sought refuge along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Then, Maw MiMar’s family relocated to the No. 1 Karenni Refugee Camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. There, she was able to complete her high school education at a school operated by the KNPP’s education department.

After completing high school, Maw MiMar began working as a teacher in a refugee camp school. However, at that time, students who passed high school in the refugee camps had no opportunities for university or higher education. This left Maw MiMar, who had always pursued education with a strong passion, feeling unfulfilled.

This is why Maw MiMar interned with various international organizations that visited the refugee camps, while actively seeking opportunities to join international universities.

"I put in more effort than others because there were no specific internationally recognized policies on refugee education. I had to work much harder to stand out and improve my chances of being selected,” she said.

The odds were slim, but Maw MiMar’s determination was unstoppable. Despite the challenges she faced, her relentless efforts, coupled with a stroke of good fortune, eventually led her to receive a scholarship from Australia in 2010.

She attended Murdoch University and Griffith University in Australia, where she pursued a double major in International Aid and Development and Community Development, ultimately earning two degrees simultaneously.

Driven by her passion for education, Maw MiMar did not stop at two degrees but went on to earn a Master of Education from Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Management at Mahidol University in Thailand.

While managing significant responsibilities in her work, Maw MiMar dedicates every available moment to her education. She often shares stories about her native Karenni State whenever she meets fellow students.

"I'm always happy to help foreign students eager to learn about our country. Sharing these stories is beneficial for everyone. I find great satisfaction and joy in telling others about my region too”, she said.

Stereotypes and challenges faced by a woman in her work

Maw MiMar's mother was dedicated to ensuring that Maw MiMar and her siblings received an education, providing encouragement and support in every possible way, regardless of their displaced circumstances. Maw MiMar noted that her own devotion to education grew stronger due to her mother's unwavering push.

Maw MiMar is the eldest of five siblings. She currently lives with her parents, husband, and two children.

While managing her numerous responsibilities, Maw MiMar frequently works on her homework well past midnight on days when assignments are due. She has often endured nights with only two hours of sleep.

Even while traveling, Maw MiMar made use of every spare moment, studying for 10 to 15 minutes whenever she could. She also admitted that her full-time commitment to work and education has limited the time she can spend with her family.

She also revealed that her work frequently encounters challenges due to stereotypes that expect married women to be responsible for housekeeping and to avoid going out at night.

"As a woman, my existence is often more challenging and complex compared to men. In a developing country and community like ours, we still have much to learn about global cultures, perspectives, and ideas. There is also a great deal to navigate when it comes to addressing and understanding issues related to women,” she said. As a result, there have been delays in certain aspects of her work, Maw MMar added.

"When talking about work, there are different aspects of security for men and women, including mental security. These differences stem from the natural distinctions between genders. Jobs requiring physical strength, those involving risky areas, or those demanding tough decisions can vary based on the job's nature. I always make sure to consider all aspects to make clear, bold decisions. For me, I also need to consider how a decision might affect me as a woman, in addition to the follow-ups and consequences of that decision,” she said.

Maw MiMar's ultimate goals are to advance the educational development of Karenni State beyond her current efforts, improve the community through education, elevate public standards of thinking and knowledge, and ensure the continued education of all children displaced by conflict.