Myat's Story of Resilience

Myat Noe was filled with joy on the day she started her internship at one of the town's top beauty salons. Brimming with hope, she walked confidently into her first day of work, ready to embrace the possibilities ahead. Yet, there was a time when she could never have envisioned reaching this moment.

Myat Noe, a typical Myanmar schoolgirl, was tricked on an ordinary day.

Grateful for her mother's sacrifice to send her to school, she was determined to succeed. But her world turned upside down when a neighbor, under false pretenses, lured her into a car. 

As the car journeyed further, Myat Noe's fear grew. The neighbor stopped, received money from a man, and abandoned her. The man revealed his sinister intentions: he had bought her for sex work.

Myat Noe, terrified and desperate, resisted. She pleaded to return to school and her mother, but her pleas were met with violence. The man threatened to kill her and her family if she didn't comply.

Trapped in the brothel, Myat Noe endured constant abuse and isolation. She felt utterly alone and wished for death. In a desperate attempt to end her suffering, she overdosed on medication. Miraculously, she survived but was left with severe physical and mental consequences.Even in her weakened state, she was forced to continue servicing customers.

During one encounter, overwhelmed by despair, she broke down in tears. Moved by her plight, the customer contacted her mother, who immediately alerted the authorities. The Anti-Trafficking Police rescued Myat Noe, but her ordeal had left deep scars.

As Myat Noe healed from her trauma, we encouraged her to dream again, assuring her that her past wouldn't dictate her future. We supported her healing journey, and she grew increasingly hopeful in our partner center's nurturing environment. Despite physical and mental challenges, she committed to dreaming anew. In an art therapy session, she painted her dream: a hair salon.Little did she know that her dream would become a reality eight months later. 

Great Courage Women's Necklace

Myat Noe's story, along with other survivors, inspired the Great Courage Necklace.

Like precious gems formed under pressure, Myat Noe emerged from her ordeal stronger and more valuable. With the support of our partner center, she embraced a new beginning and found strength.

Now, as a skilled hairstylist, Myat Noe takes pride in her work and the beauty she creates. Her journey exemplifies how survivors can overcome adversity and turn their dreams into reality.