I overheard a woman saying, “Isn’t she a girl? Why would her parents let her do those stunts?” My mind, focused on my balance, started to wander, and my knees buckled as I glanced at the nearby people. Within a split second, I was on the ground, my bike beside me. My tailwhip had failed. The woman looked satisfied, as if she knew I would fail. Whenever I fell while practicing tricks at home, my uncle always cheered me on. I had never realized that bike stunts were reserved for boys.
Despite being born in a country with rigid gender roles, I was raised without Myanmar‘s traditional stereotypes. Growing up, I had grease covering my face while helping my uncle with car engines. Though he taught me simple names for machines and tools, I didn’t remember them as a kid. All I knew was how I felt around them: motivated. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my uncle introduced me to interests that were assumed to be masculine and off-limits for girls.
My relatives criticized him for raising a girl in such a revolutionary way, but he showed me a world where gender would not define me.
My world shifted when he passed away. We were so close that desolation and grief consumed me, but I carried on. I was admitted to Mandalay Technological University, despite stricter eligibility criteria for women. I was eager to learn, but my hopes were dashed by the mockery of upperclassmen. “Little girl, you should choose a helping profession instead of wasting your time around machines.” In their eyes, I was vandalizing the long-held norms of Myanmar’s conservative society, while I felt I was simply pursuing my passion. It was then I realized that the world my uncle had helped build for me was gone.
Unwilling to accept gender limitations, memories of how my uncle raised me lingered. Each time I thought of him, I grew more determined to work toward gender equality. Later, when I took a course on gender studies, I realized that my uncle was a feminist. He neither knew the word “feminism” nor identified himself as a “feminist,” yet his actions and the way he raised me were proof that he cared deeply about gender equality.
About Elle
- Age: 23
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Bachelor’s, Engineering
- 1st Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Shift expectations of gender norms in Myanmar
- Transform Myanmar’s use of technology in education
- Become a downhill mountain bike racer
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $2,375
- Amount Left To Fund: $1,500
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In School
His lifestyle as a feminist influenced me to develop an egalitarian mindset in a traditional community. As a young woman inspired by her feminist uncle, I have embarked on a journey to restore the world I once knew. To connect my beliefs with actions, I joined the Purple Feminists Group (Yangon) and organized Myanmar’s first menstrual justice conference. It was a milestone for me. Working there, I have witnessed many untold stories of women in my community, and now, more than ever, I want to advocate for social justice.
My uncle built the foundation of my perspectives, and I am now eager to build stronger beliefs upon it. That’s why I want to double major in gender studies and computer science in college. I am sure my uncle would be proud of who I’ve become, and my gratitude toward him will never cease. Although he is no longer here by my side, supporting me in my future goals, his guidance will always motivate me. One day, I will ride my mountain bike, performing tailwhips in the air—like spreading my wings to fly freely from the constraints of social norms.
Written by Elle with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Elle
“I want to explore academically rigorous curricula of software engineering, connect with different people around the world, and exchange diverse ideas to build a better future.”
Elle
“I would like to break down the barriers that discourage girls from pursuing “manly” careers such as engineering and boys from becoming ballet dancers. I hope to open doors for children to pursue their dreams without limitations and social norms.”
