Produced in partnership with American Jewish World Service.

For decades, Burma's military regime has brutally attacked the Karen people and ethnic minority groups like them across the country. Naw Wah* was 15 when government soldiers arrived in her village. Fearing rape, forced labor or death, she dropped everything and fled.

Unfortunately, the Thai refugee camp where she settled didn't ensure her safety. She was raped there, and soon discovered that the attack left her pregnant.

Naw Wah sought help from Karen Women’s Organization (KWO), an AJWS-supported nonprofit that works to protect the rights of Karen women, both within Burma and in refugee camps. They gave her the support she needed to build a life with her young daughter.

KWO also taught Naw Wah about human rights, and she participated in their leadership training. With new knowledge, confidence and skills, Naw Wah has started to help other women in her community who have experienced gender-based violence.

*Subject asked to use a different name and to mask her identity.

Directed and Produced by Evan Abramson and Carmen Elsa Lopez
Edited by Evan Abramson and Carmen Elsa Lopez
Cinematography by Evan Abramson
Commissioned by American Jewish World Service

Learn more: webelieve.ajws.org