DHARAMSHALA: The Women’s Empowerment Desk (WED) of Social and Resource Development (SARD), under the Department of Finance of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), released a report titled  ‘Status of Tibetan Women in Exile – 2012.’ Launched on the auspicious occasion of the 78th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this flagship research report aims to cater to a wide-ranging audience interested in garnering a deeper understanding of the status of Tibetan women in exile. The comprehensive report is also intended to guide policy formulation and subsequent implementation of programs befitting the interests and needs of the exile Tibetan women.

The study interviewed 6% of total Tibetan women population, from seven Tibetan settlements in India constituting the North, North East, Central and Southern pockets of Tibetan inhabitation. The key areas of focus are: Education, Leadership, Marriage, Health and Economic. Each chapter and its findings are supported by a list of recommendations. Indian research experts Dr. Grace Henry and Dr. Aravind Raj from Bangalore developed the research tools, trained the field investigators and guided the analysis. Ms. Ngawang Tenzin, Ms. Tenzin Norkyi, Ms. Pema Choedon, Ms. Dickyi Dolkar and Ms. Tenzin Tseyang were finalized as field investigators after a careful selection process. The research methodology used included: Demographic Profile Schedule (DPS), Semi-structured Interview Schedule, the Quality of Life, Key Informant Interview and Focal Group Discussions.

Ms. Tenzin Tseyang, of WED, SARD, coordinated the entire process of the research study, from its conceptualization to completion.

Besides research production, the Women’s Empowerment Desk also undertakes, amongst many others, the following programs catering to socio-eco-political, health and leadership needs of Tibetan women: leadership programs for CTA women staff and grassroots women leaders, trainings on responsible behaviors, adolescent education, and women’s health education to prevent sexual harassment, HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, cervical cancer and drug abuse, provision of Adult Literacy Education for women, Nuns’ Empowerment workshop for nunneries, awareness programs on socio-political and legal empowerment of women, Training of Trainers to increase women’s participation in workforce, enhancement of women’s participation in local governance, empowerment and entrepreneurship workshop, awareness programs amongst public on women’s empowerment and encouragement of women’s sports.

Women’s Empowerment Desk will continue with its pragmatic approach and proactive programs to achieve its vision of a truly empowered Tibetan community where Tibetan women are empowered in all aspects of life: religious, political, educational and health, and thereby foster the principles of an egalitarian society and strengthen the foundations of our democracy.

(Report filed by Ms. Tenzin Tseyang of Women’s Empowerment Desk, CTA)