This week, we're sharing an English language interview from our friend Nandar at G-Taw Zagar Wyne, Myanmar's first feminist podcast.
In this episode of G-Taw Zagar Wyne, Nandar speaks to Nurhayati Ali (aka Phoo Pwint Wai), a Rohingya feminist activist, artist, and aspiring dentist.
Nurhayati Ali shares her background, her experience resettling in the U.S. as a member of the very first Rohingya family in the state of Wisconsin in 2002, and the biggest challenges of growing up as a Rohingya refugee in the U.S.
She is the co-founder and Director of Health and Human Services at the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network, a women-led, refugee-led, and Rohingya-led organisation working on human rights, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, education, and translocal solidarity with a focus on women, peace, and security.
This interview explores the driving force behind Nurhayati Ali's deep commitment to human rights, healthcare, and women's empowerment.
In addition, she discusses how her background in neurobiology and dentistry intersects with community advocacy, her plans to address healthcare shortages in refugee camps as RMCN’s Director of Health, and how creative outlets like drawing support her personal healing.
Finally, she explains why advocacy must be refugee-led, how RMCN’s intersectional feminist approach builds self-belief in young women, the importance of authentic storytelling, and an inspiring message of strength for young Rohingya women and girls trying to grow, heal, and rise despite adversity.
Follow G-Taw Zagar Wyne for updates:
Facebook : www.facebook.com/gtawzagarwyne/
SoundCloud : soundcloud.com/g-taw-zagar-wyne-podcast
You can contact Nandar at gtawzagarwyne@gmail.com
