Win Maw Oo facts for kids

Win Maw Oo (Burmese: ဝင်းမော်ဦး; born November 19, 1971 – died September 19, 1988) was a brave student activist from Burma (now called Myanmar). She is remembered as a hero of the country's movement for democracy. She lost her life during a big protest called the 8888 Uprising.

Early Life and School

Win Maw Oo was born on November 19, 1971, in Kyimyindaing Township, which is in the city of Yangon. She was the oldest of six children in her family. She went to Basic Education High School (4) in Kyimyindaing.

Her Role in the Protests

On September 19, 1988, Win Maw Oo joined a large protest with her classmates. They were marching to support democracy and carried a picture of a famous hero, Bogyoke Aung San. Even though her parents worried about her safety, she felt it was important to be there.

During the protest, the Myanmar military took strong action against the demonstrators. Win Maw Oo was injured during these events and sadly passed away.

A Lasting Symbol of Hope

A powerful photo of Win Maw Oo became a symbol for people who were against the military government in Myanmar. The picture showed her being carried by two medical students after she was injured. Her sacrifice became a very important part of the "88 movement," which was a big push for freedom and democracy.

Win Maw Oo had a special wish: she asked that her final funeral rites not be held until Burma became a democracy. Many years later, in May 2016, her family was finally able to hold her Buddhist funeral. This happened one month after a new, democratically elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, came to power. The event was shared widely and was very meaningful.

Win Maw Oo's story has also been told in a film by U Anthony. The movie shows the real events that happened around her life and death.