The Courage of Ma Htake Htar: A Journey of Truth and Determination

Disclaimer: This article contains references to sexual violence, which may be upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Ma Htake Htar reporting live during the protests in Myanmar in 2021.

In a world where the voices of women are often silenced, Ma Htake Htar, now aged 39, stands as an icon of courage and determination. 

Ma Htake Htar began her career during a time when female journalists were scarce in Myanmar back in 2006 and faced discrimination at every turn.  From the outset, she encountered a hostile work environment where responsibilities were often handed out based on gender biases. Assigned to cover stories that no one else wanted, she faced discrimination in the media field as a junior reporter. In a society that often criticizes women for stepping outside traditional roles, she endured not only professional obstacles but also judgment from her own family and community.

By 2013, Ma Htake Htar began her editorial career at Mizzima News, working in both Burmese TV and Mizzima Daily. She took on a leadership role as the editor of the Women in Myanmar Society program. In 2018, she became the editor for the Irrawaddy Burmese Media, where she was responsible for the Women’s Rights section, focusing on issues related to human rights, gender-based violence, and child rights. Until today, she continues to contribute as a freelancer and consultant to various media outlets that highlight the ongoing revolution.

Despite the setbacks she faced by being a woman journalist, Ma Htake Htar refused to be defined by the limitations imposed on her. She drew strength from her experiences, transforming the discouragement and discrimination into fuel for her ambitions. "I have been persistent in my journey to becoming a journalist rather than just a woman. The attacks and discouragements only made me stronger." she reflects.

Her journey took a turn when she was forced to flee to the Thailand-Myanmar border in 2021 due to the escalating media persecution in her home country following the military coup. It was during this tumultuous time that she found support through Exile Hub, an organization dedicated to helping journalists like her recover and regain their footing. Through mental health workshops and training, she was able to restore her mental capacity to reconnect with her mission, continuing her investigations with renewed strength.

One particular case she investigated involved the brutal murder of a 26-year-old woman by her husband, whose frozen corpse of over 100 days was discovered in a Thai hospital. For 38 days, Ma Htake Htar delved into the details, collaborating with armed resistance groups and Thai authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice. Living in Thailand without legal documentation, she faced tremendous risks, but her determination to expose the truth prevailed. "This incident highlighted that there are countless domestic violence cases but it really takes a person as foolishly bold as possible to head bump any challenges on the way.  I guess my passion for uncovering the truth has only deepened in the face of injustice towards women." she noted

Ma Htake Htar’s commitment to investigating injustices has led her into the heart of a revolution, where she faces hostility not only from those in power but also from peers who aim to discredit her work. The threats she encounters are compounded by the fear for her children’s safety, as she navigates a landscape filled with danger. Yet she persists, motivated by the joy of uncovering the truth and the impact her work can have on society.

Under Exile Hub’s Human Rights Defender (HRD) Protection Fellowship, Ma Htake Htar was able to relocate to a safe space to continue her investigative reporting on several critical cases, including the rape of a five-year-old girl and the trafficking of a 19-year-old girl who was looking for a job. Each case she pursues is not just a story; it is a testament to commitment to shed light on the injustices women face.

For the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, Ma Htake Htar's story serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights. She offers sage advice to aspiring female journalists: "Put faith in your beliefs and abilities. Sometimes, we need to forget the norms and limitations associated with being a woman. Those thoughts can hold you back from being your true self."