Organizer: PEN America and ALTSEAN-Burma

Type/Location: Virtual

Description:

Since the military coup in 2021, women in Myanmar have drawn on their diverse experiences and shared knowledge to resist the violence of dictatorship. Last year, the junta jailed at least 10 writers for their expression, but, for many, despite the risks, writing remains a multifaceted tool against human rights abuses. Offering a glimpse into their many perspectives, Women’s Voices from the Revolution, an anthology published by ALTSEAN-Burma, features 40 pieces written by first-time writers who took part in their Women Writers Workshops. Embodying the diversity of women’s voices and the power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy, this anthology highlights literature’s restorative potential.

Join us for a conversation with writers and the publisher of Women’s Voices from the Revolution on the power of storytelling, human rights, and their experiences living under the junta’s rule. Moderated by acclaimed writer and activist Ma Thida, this conversation will include A Phyu, a writer featured in the anthology, and Debbie Stothard of ALTSEAN-Burma. The event will be introduced by Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN America’s director of writers at risk. A recording of the conversation will be available on YouTube.

By registering for the event, you’ll have the chance to be one of 10 attendees selected to receive a complimentary copy of the anthology (US shipping only). Read the anthology virtually here.

This event is co-organized by the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center and ALTSEAN-Burma. ALTSEAN-Burma ran its first Women Writers Workshop in 1998. Women’s Voices from the Revolution is its tenth Women’s Voices anthology, showcasing writings by workshop participants, and its first published since the military coup in 2021.

If you’d like to make a donation to ALTSEAN-Burma, you can make a gift here. All funds will directly support their work on Myanmar, including the Women Writers Workshops.

Speakers:

• Award-winning writer and activist Ma Thida (moderator)

• Writer and mental health support worker A Phyu, contributor to Women’s Voices from the Revolution

• Founder of ALTSEAN-Burma Debbie Stothard, publisher of Women’s Voices from the Revolution

• With an introduction by Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN America’s director of writers at risk, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center

Registration:

To attend the event online, please register here.