Wai Wai Nu

Founder: Women's Peace Network

On one fateful night in 2005, an 18-year-old Wai Wai, and her entire family, were suddenly captured and imprisoned as political prisoners. Yet, it was there where she witnessed firsthand the social injustice the thousands of girls, women, and minority groups faced that led to their despair.

Soon after her release at the age of 25, Wai Wai channeled her pent-up conviction into an educational institution that would seek justice for the women and ethnic minorities. She believes that education has the unique power to open doors to freedom, peace, and social equality and help build trust between people. Her institution, the Inclusive Futures Foundation, trains the country's next-generation leaders.

Today, Wai Wai's work turns the heads of world media and state leaders, bringing much-needed attention to the genocide and persecution the Burmese government brought upon Rohingya minorities, and the social injustice the women of Myanmar.

Read their story

THE MISSION

"Protecting the rights of ethnic minorities in Myanmar"

KEY RESULT

A New Generation of Leaders

As the only youth education center in Myanmar focused on democracy, human rights, and peacebuilding, the YYLC brought together young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds—including Rohingya youth—to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead. Since its founding, the center has produced numerous next-generation leaders, several of whom now hold prominent positions in the National Unity Government (NUG), continuing the fight for democracy.

Building Leaders, On the Ground and Online

Through a range of programs—including Civics and Political Education (CPE), Peacebuilding, Human Rights, and English language classes—YYLC created an inclusive environment built on trust and mutual understanding. Although the 2021 military coup forced the center to suspend its operations, Wai Wai continued her support online. Her social media following grew more than tenfold, and as a young female leader of Rohingya origin, she has become a powerful role model—amplifying the voices of Myanmar’s youth and helping to sustain the democracy movement in new and creative ways.