Aung San Suu Kyi's Milestones
Birth
Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, to General Aung San and Khin Kyi.
Father assassinated
Her father, General Aung San, leader of Burma's independence movement, was assassinated when she was two.
Mother appointed ambassador to India
Her mother, Khin Kyi, was appointed Burmese ambassador to India; Suu Kyi lived in New Delhi during this period.
Attended University of Delhi
Graduated from the University of Delhi with a degree in politics.
Attended University of Oxford
Studied philosophy, politics, and economics at St Hugh's College, University of Oxford.
Worked at UN
Worked for the United Nations in New York, mainly on budget and administrative matters.
Worked in Bhutan and Japan
Worked as a research officer in Bhutan and as an assistant secretary at the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, UN, in New York and Japan.
Married Michael Aris
Married British academic Michael Aris; had two sons, Alexander and Kim.
Returned to Burma
Returned to Burma to care for her ailing mother, soon becoming involved in the pro-democracy movement.
Founded National League for Democracy
Co-founded the National League for Democracy (NLD) party.
First house arrest
Placed under house arrest by the military government for her pro-democracy activities.
Published 'Freedom from Fear'
Published the collection 'Freedom from Fear' and other writings, highlighting her political philosophy.
Nobel Peace Prize
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights.
Second house arrest
Placed under house arrest again for political activities and public support.
Third house arrest
Detained after the Depayin massacre and kept under house arrest until 2010.
Released from house arrest
Released after a total of 15 years under house arrest.
Elected to Parliament
Elected to the Burmese Parliament, marking her formal entry into politics.
State Counsellor of Myanmar
Served as State Counsellor (de facto head of government) until the 2021 military coup.
Rohingya crisis and international criticism
Faced international criticism for her government's handling of the Rohingya crisis and allegations of human rights abuses.
Detained after military coup
Detained by the military following the 2021 coup; remains under arrest as of June 2025.
Legacy and influence
Continues to be a symbol of democracy and resilience in Myanmar, despite controversy and ongoing detention.