Blooming Padauk: Unveiling Truths and Empowering Voices in Myanmar's Media Revolution

We are very pleased to share the following update concerning a program that we have continued to fund, and the good work they are doing! We encourage supporters to consider a contribution of any size to continue our effort.

Blooming Padauk operates two impactful media programs: "Breaking Tatmadaw Brainwashed" and the "Spouses of People Soldiers Sagarthan Program"

The primary initiative, "Breaking Tatmadaw Brainwashed," serves as a channel dedicated to dismantling the ingrained beliefs within soldiers who remain loyal to the Tatmadaw, shaped by the military's pervasive ideology that distances them from the people. The military's brainwashing starts during the recruitment of soldiers at the age of 16-17, targeting a stage where individuals are more susceptible to influence. Unfortunately, soldiers who undergo this process often find it challenging to align with the people's cause. To counter this, our social media outreach spans platforms like Youtube and Facebook, the widely used social media platform in Myanmar. Our content encourages soldiers and their spouses to stand for justice, emphasizing that joining the people is a decision that aligns with the best interests of their children's future.

In the second program, Blooming Padauk brings together wives of CDM soldiers who have already decided to shift their allegiance, and them asking them to share their experiences for those still within the military. The "Sagarthan" programs, broadcasting the voices of the oppressed, are presented and aired through the People's Soldiers' Wives Facebook page. Beyond CDM military wives, a weekly talk show program now promotes the freedom of expression for women from various sectors involved in the Myanmar Spring Revolution, aiming for "Women's Voice in the Spring."

The goal is to empower women to openly express the challenges and violations of women's rights, fostering increased participation in various economic and political roles. This initiative also strives to make women accessible in important sectors. For women remaining within the military, broadcasts focus on promoting understanding of women's rights and human rights, aiming to liberate them from oppressive and discriminatory situations.

Rising Defections: We meticulously monitor the increasing number of soldiers defecting from the military as a direct result of their involvement in the Media Outreach program. To date, more than 50 soldiers have reached out to us expressing their intention to defect. This ongoing assessment involves regular monitoring of defector testimonials, conducting interviews, and collecting data from credible sources within the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) network.

Social Media Interaction: We delve into the engagement metrics of the thought-provoking social media content crafted as part of the Media Outreach program. This entails scrutinizing the number of views, likes, shares, and comments across YouTube videos, TikTok clips, and Facebook posts. A surge in engagement serves as a valuable indicator that the content effectively reaches and resonates with the intended audience.

Numerous still challenges confront us, and I would like to highlight three of the most pressing ones. Firstly, the influx of soldiers defecting due to our media program necessitates emergency plans, particularly in providing safe houses and basic necessities. However, inadequate budget and support pose a significant hurdle in addressing this urgent need.

Secondly, with the escalating number of defected soldiers' families, there is a growing demand for food packages. Balancing this demand with the available supply has become a challenge that requires careful consideration.

Thirdly, while our media program effectively communicates with those within the military, it has attracted reports and decreased engagement. Additionally, our team members face attacks from military lobbies.

Looking ahead, our future plans involve providing essential support such as food, utilities, safe housing, healthcare, and children's education expenses. We aim to be an organization that upholds human rights, addressing the basic needs of every individual. To counter the military's human rights violations, we will persist in encouraging soldiers to defect, promoting a non-violent movement.

Your steadfast commitment is crucial to strengthening the nonviolent movement working towards the restoration of democracy. Through your support, we can continue advocating for human rights, truth, and standing with those bravely opposing dictatorship and oppression, including women and their families. This endeavor unites diverse individuals in our society, ensuring that future generations in our country can live freely.

We deeply appreciate your ongoing support, which has undeniably made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.