The Tibet Museum Launches Temporary Exhibition “Women of Tibet”, Honouring the Contributions of Tibetan Women to Society

Dharamshala: This morning at the Tibet Museum, a temporary exhibition titled “Women of Tibet” was inaugurated, highlighting the vital contributions of Tibetan women in shaping progress and fostering prosperity in Tibetan society, particularly in the wake of the People’s Liberation Army’s occupation of Tibet.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Kasur (Former Kalon) Rinchen Khandro Choegyal as the chief guest, alongside Secretary Karma Choeying and Additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang from the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration. It was also attended by representatives from several Tibetan NGOs, including from the headquarter of Tibetan Women’s Association.

The event commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by the chief guest, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition. The exhibition features a series of thematic panels celebrating the multifaceted roles of Tibetan women — from those who courageously gave their lives for the resistance, to those who have played key roles in the Tibetan struggle, education, civil service, religion, culture, and the arts.

This exhibition also marks the 25th anniversary of the Tibet Museum, according to Tenzin Topden, the Director of the Tibet Museum.

Following the tour, a brief gathering was held, during which Kasur Rinchen Khandro Choegyal and Secretary Karma Choeying shared their reflections and insights with the attendees.

Earlier in the program, Director Tenzin Topden, provided an overview of the exhibition’s objectives, preparation process, and the arrangements made to bring it to fruition.

The event continued with an address by Secretary Karma Choeying, who remarked, “Countless women throughout Tibet’s long history have made significant contributions to the well-being and advancement of Tibetan society. To honour these contributions, the Tibet Museum has organised this exhibition to highlight the achievements of Tibetan women.”

The Secretary also reflected on the Tibet Museum’s recent travelling exhibition in North America, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. “This initiative,” he noted, “has inspired many young Tibetans raised in the United States to reconnect with their Tibetan heritage, and to appreciate its rich culture and long history.”

Delivering the keynote address, chief guest Kasur Rinchen Khandro Choegyal expressed her deep pride and joy at witnessing the immense contributions and sacrifices made by Tibetan women for their community. She particularly commended the exhibition’s gallery featuring portraits of young Tibetan women currently active in the Tibetan freedom movement and working to bring progress and prosperity to Tibetan society.

Reflecting on her own lifelong service to the Tibetan community, Kasur Rinchen Khandro Choegyal shared, “As I look back at my life, I feel content knowing I have served our community and our cause. My efforts have not been in vain.” She urged the younger generation to carry forward this commitment. “In the early days of our exile, despite not knowing the language of our host country—and with many among us being illiterate—we remained devoted to building a strong and vibrant Tibetan community in exile. Now, with access to resources and opportunities, it is both necessary and achievable for younger generations to contribute actively to the prosperity of our community,” she emphasised.

Kasur Rinchen Khandro Choegyal also commended the presence of genuine gender equality within the Tibetan community and encouraged everyone to make the most of this progressive aspect.

Furthermore, the chief guest reflected on the natural love and compassion that women, as mothers, inherently possess. She highlighted how these qualities, when extended beyond the household, can help create a happier world, echoing the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.