Nandar
(She/Her)
Purple Feminists Group
SHAN STATE, MYANMYAR
About Nandar
Nandar is a feminist activist, storyteller, and founder of the Purple Feminists Group from Shan State, Myanmar. She has spent over a decade advocating for gender equality and amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of women and ethnic minorities. Her work includes translating Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Why We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele into Burmese, making feminist ideas more accessible to Myanmar’s public. Nandar also co-organized The Vagina Monologues in Myanmar, a bold act in a deeply conservative society, for four consecutive years starting in 2018.
Her activism extends beyond gender issues, with a strong focus on raising awareness around consent, menstrual health, and addressing social stigma. Nandar is a storyteller who uses poetry to give voice to the struggles of her people, shaped by her lived experiences of war, loss, and revolution. She understands the psychological toll activism can take and has incorporated mental health awareness into her resilience work with activists.
Nandar was recognized among BBC’s 100 Women in 2020 and completed the CAHR Protective Writing Fellowship in the UK in 2024.
Writing and art have always been a source of refuge for me, a way to process the complex emotions that come with being an activist. I find them therapeutic, offering a sense of healing and resistance in equal measure. Whether I’m crafting poetry that reflects the realities of war and loss or engaging in storytelling that amplifies marginalized voices, these creative expressions are my way of reclaiming power and making sense of the world around me. I view art not just as an emotional outlet but as an activist act in itself—a form of protest that speaks truth to power when words and action often feel restricted.
When emotions run high, I also find solace in cooking. Preparing a meal becomes a mindful activity that helps me release stress. It’s almost like an emotional reset, grounding me when the pressures of activism feel overwhelming. I enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, as it allows me to engage my senses fully, bringing me back to the present moment.
I also find strength in rest, which I consider to be a radical act in itself. In a world that constantly demands productivity, especially in the sphere of activism, I’ve come to realize that the best way to resist is sometimes to rest. Taking time to recharge is not a luxury but a necessity, especially when fighting long-term battles for justice.
Quality time with like-minded friends nourishes my spirit. These are the people who understand the emotional toll that activism can take and provide a space where I can be myself, free of judgment or expectation. Whether we are having deep discussions about our work or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, these moments of connection remind me why I continue to fight.
Speaking of coffee, I enjoy trying different kinds as a small, personal pleasure that brings me joy. Whether it’s the first sip of a new blend or simply the ritual of brewing, it’s a simple act that adds comfort to my daily routine. I’m also someone who finds peace in nature—whether it’s the smell of rain or the warmth of the morning sun. These small experiences remind me of the beauty in the world, even when the fight for justice feels overwhelming.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that resilience comes not only from action but from self-care, rest, and community. Art, writing, friendship, and small moments of joy keep me grounded and allow me to continue the difficult work of activism with a full heart.
About Purple Feminists Group
Purple Feminist Group is a local feminist NGO led by young feminists from different backgrounds in Myanmar since early 2018. We do our advocacy work creatively and innovatively through workshops, social media campaigns, feminist literature, and podcasts, engaging with different generations to focus on the gender issues that we want to highlight.
PFG is an organization empowered by the experiences and passions of young feminists from different backgrounds. We collectively and innovatively work towards restoring dignity, justice, and peace while strengthening our sisterhood. We are committed to changing and bettering the world with positive feminist energy.
Nandar and Purple Feminist Group provide:
nandar.mmr@gmail.com reach out to this email if you find me to be useful to collaborate or support the work you do in any way. I am always open to new ideas and collaborations.
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