What is The Tibetan Women's Uprising Day?
It was March 12, 1959 a day after the NationalUprising Day, thousands of women gathered infront of the PotalaPalace in Lhasa to peacefully protest against the illegal occupationof Tibet. Chinese authorities responded by restoring to brute forceand arrested the leaders of the movement and many other innocentwomen. They were sentenced to indefinite prison terms, and manyof them were mercilessly beaten to death. However, these repressivemeasures did not dampen the women's courage. They did not let themselvesbe cowered by the Chinese. The historical event was the spark thatinitiated the Tibetan women's movement for Freedom.
The Tibetan Women's Uprising Day on March 12 wasmemorialized by all the regional branches of the Tibetan Women'sAssociation in India, Nepal and overseas. The commemoration is observedevery year with the prayers for those who sacrificed their livesfor the national cause. TWA statements are released and variousactivities such as candle vigils, peaceful demonstrations, peacemarches, hunger strikes, shouting slogans, showing banners, distributionsof pamphlets and press conferences are organised at different venues.
The appeal letter to the United Nations,UN Human Rights Commission, and also to the President of People'sRepublic of China is also submitted.
