Thuzar's Story
Thuzar grew up in a family of six, where poverty and hardship shaped every part of her childhood. She left school after grade 4 to help her mother sell goods and care for her younger siblings. The weight of these responsibilities only grew heavier when her abusive father’s behavior forced her mother to flee temporarily, leaving Thuzar to take on the full burden of running the household and looking after her siblings, even though she was a child herself.
Without a stable or supportive family structure, she became increasingly vulnerable to harm. One day, a neighbor deceived Thuzar by claiming her father was drunk and unconscious nearby. rushing to help, she followed him, only to be lured into a secluded area and sexually assaulted. When she returned home, instead of receiving support, her father, unaware of what had happened, reacted with anger and violence, pushing her further into silent shock.
When her mother and older sister eventually returned and heard from her what had happened, for the sake of their culture, they arranged for Thuzar to marry her abuser, believing it was the only solution. Life with her husband’s family brought further rejection and mistreatment, leaving Thuzar feeling isolated and hopeless. Seeking a way out, she fled to Yangon in search of her older sister, desperate for a fresh start.
Thuzar expected to find her sister working in a garment factory but instead discovered she was employed at a KTV (karaoke television bar). Desensitized to the harsh reality of this work, her sister introduced Thuzar to the same exploitative environment. Feeling trapped and burdened by her past, Thuzar reluctantly entered this world. Due to the gradual desensitization she was vulnerable to further exploitation and a friend’s aunt trafficked her into prostitution.
In the midst of this darkness, Thuzar encountered a moment of hope through Eden’s outreach team. During a visit to the brothel where she worked, the team gave her a small gift and invited her to an awareness party. This seemingly simple gesture carried profound meaning—it showed Thuzar that she was seen, valued, and not forgotten. Encouraged by her sister, she attended the awareness party and learned about Eden’s vocational training programs, including courses in beauty and nail art. For the first time, she saw the possibility of a life marked by dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Thuzar made the courageous decision to join Eden’s vocational training program. At just 16 years old, she began a journey of healing and restoration, leaving behind the exploitation and pain of her past. Through the resources, care, and support provided by Eden, she is discovering her worth, building a future filled with purpose.
Thuzar’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and hope. Through Eden’s work, she is stepping into a life of restoration and purpose, leaving behind a past of exploitation. Her courage and resilience inspire us to continue standing against trafficking and walking alongside those seeking freedom, healing, and a brighter future.
