DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan political leader Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, today attended the inaugural session of the 11th annual conference of Tibetan Women’s Association, the leading women’s group in the Tibetan community. Also present at the inaugural was Ms. Rinchen Khandro, former Kalon and Director of Tibetan nun’s project.
Representatives from local chapters of the association have gathered at Sarha Tibetan college from all over India to deliberate on the current situation inside Tibet and the general condition of Tibetan women in exile and in Tibet.
Addressing the inaugural session, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay lauded the Tibetan women’s association for its efforts in creating awareness about the critical situation inside Tibet for the last so many years. He applauded the organisation’s continuous service in exile, particularly for its efforts in the promotion of women’s rights and empowerment.
Sikyong also called for more representation of Tibetan women in the leadership of Tibetan movement. He also exclaimed that women’s empowerment is at the core of societal development.
To signify his admiration for the women’s group’s exemplary community service, Sikyong recounted a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, former First lady of the United States. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people,” he quoted, likening the organisation to the minds of great individuals.
He also highlighted the immense contribution of Tibetan women in the Tibetan struggle beginning with the Tibetan women’s uprising of 12 March 1959. He also spoke about the contribution of women in the development of exile Tibetan community.
Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, in his address, spoke about the indefatigable determination of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. He extolled the exemplary service of the women’s group in the Tibetan community, at the same time urging them to continue raising awareness on the situation inside Tibet and work for women empowerment.
He also spoke about the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the issue of Tibet. He said that our emotions are powerful, yet emotions only would not solve our problems. “We have to be practical,” he said.
The Tibetan Women’s Association is the leading women’s group in exile Tibetan community. It creates global awareness of the critical situation inside Tibet and works for the promotion of social, political, and economic equality of Tibetan women, in Tibet and in Tibetan exile communities.
