Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy icon who spent 15 years under house arrest for opposing Myanmar's military rule. Daughter of independence hero Aung San, she led the National League for Democracy to victory and served as State Counsellor before the 2021 military coup.
Personal background and early life
Aung San Suu Kyi is a prominent figure in Myanmar’s struggle for democracy and human rights. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, she has dedicated her life to advocating for a democratic government and an end to military rule in her country.
Born in 1945, Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of Aung San, Myanmar’s independence hero. She studied at Oxford University and spent many years abroad before returning to Myanmar in 1988, where she quickly became a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, Aung San Suu Kyi led peaceful protests against the military junta. Her activism led to her prolonged house arrest for nearly 15 of the 21 years from 1989 to 2010. During this period, she became a global symbol of peaceful resistance and democratic aspirations.
In recognition of her nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Following her release from house arrest, she led her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), to a landslide victory in the 2015 general election. She served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 until the military coup in 2021.
Despite her political achievements, Aung San Suu Kyi’s career has been marked by significant challenges, including the Rohingya crisis and the military coup in 2021, which led to her re-detention. Her ongoing struggle highlights the fragility of democratic transitions and the persistent challenges to human rights in Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s legacy is complex and continues to evolve. She remains an iconic figure for her unwavering commitment to democracy and her personal sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom for her people. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for human rights and democratic governance worldwide.
