Daw Radi Ohm, an engineering teacher in her 40s, was a lecturer and department head at the Government Technological High School in Kale, Sagaing Region. Her daily work involved handling industrial machinery, a profession seemingly unrelated to midwifery. However, after the military seized power in 2021, Daw Radi Ohm transitioned from her life as an engineering teacher to become a revolutionary medic, joining the resistance movement.
Beginning of Her Revolutionary Journey
Before the 2020 elections, she volunteered as a voter list verifier in the southern part of Kale Township. She served as chairperson of the voter registration committee in the Htomar village tract in Kale Township, closely monitoring and recording the early voting process.
Following the coup, which dashed her hopes of working towards a better future with the new government, Daw Radi Ohm joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) on February 2, the day after the military takeover.
"I refused to live under any government except the one I chose, so I joined the revolution," says Daw Radi Ohm, who is currently providing health education to internally displaced people (IDP) in Tamu Township.
After leaving her government housing on the night of February 2, she participated in anti-coup protests. On March 27, 2021, she founded the Mobile Medical Team (MMT) with CDM doctors and healthcare professionals. This team, under her leadership, operated from Kale's Tarhan defense camp, treating those wounded by the military’s violent crackdowns.
On April 7, 2021, the military attacked the Tarhan defense camp, killing 12 civilians with heavy artillery. Following this, Daw Radi Ohm and other protesters fled Kale to join ethnic armed groups, where they underwent military training. Upon completing the training, she decided to focus on providing rescue and medical support rather than taking up arms.
She actively participated in the healthcare sector, emphasizing, "For the revolution to succeed, education, healthcare, and administration need to advance alongside armed resistance. Only then can a true government be established and a country stand strong. Healthcare must not be left behind."
The Mobile Medical Team, led by Daw Radi Ohm, comprises around 50 members and provides basic healthcare and education to displaced individuals. Originally operating in Kale Township in 2021, the team's activities have expanded to Mingin, Kalewa, and Tamu Townships.
According to the guidance of CDM doctors, the team members also underwent medical training. "We continuously attend online courses, study, and apply our knowledge. I provide maternal and child healthcare to pregnant women and children under five, as well as assist in childbirth for displaced women and wives of People's Defense Force (PDF) members," she says.
Though an engineer by profession, Daw Radi Ohm had learned from her mother, who was a multipurpose health worker and midwife. This early experience helped her assist in childbirth, a skill she has honed through further study. She has successfully delivered 25 babies so far after overcoming emergency situations.
The Mobile Medical Team not only provides healthcare but also offers vocational training, such as diesel engine repair, sewing, computing, basic medicine, basket weaving, and cooking, to displaced people. While engaged in these community-based activities, they also provide medical assistance on the front lines during armed clashes.
Role as a Frontline Medic
Daw Radi Ohm's first experience as a frontline medic was frightening, but seeing young fighters injured in battle erased her fear. In one battle in southern Kale Township, she narrowly escaped being shot by junta forces while evacuating a wounded comrade. Though she survived, she lost some of her students and fellow protestors in the revolution.
"It was painful to lose those who looked after me as a mother in the struggle. It left me with even greater responsibilities to carry on their unfinished work," she says.
Her Aspirations
Daw Radi Ohm's ultimate goal in the revolution is to see the elimination of the military dictatorship. She plans to return to the classroom once the revolution succeeds. Despite the hardships of living and eating in the jungle, she doesn’t feel tired because it’s a path she chose herself.
"I always keep in mind that having the privilege to be proud of what I’ve done is a rare opportunity," she says.
Having left behind a stable life and career, Daw Radi Ohm has no regrets about her choice to join the revolution and is even prepared to give her life for the cause.
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