2008 Wisdom of Women's Words Essay Competition
Write right now! In an effort to recognize and support talented female writers in the international community of Tibetans, TWA is sponsoring the Wisdom of Words Essay Competition. Tibetan women around the world are invited to ponder the topic listed below and to submit their creative responses in the form of an essay in either English or Tibetan. In recognition of the power and wisdom of the younger generation, the Wisdom of Words contest is comprised of two sections: one open to high-school students and the second, open to women in college and working professionals. The winning essays will be published in Dolma, TWA’s literary magazine, and will also be featured on TWA’s official website.
TOPIC The statement of the Kashag issued on the occasion of the forty-eighth anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day, showed Kashag’s conviction in achieving gender equality in the Tibetan Society in exile. But the statement also mentioned that "since ancient times until now, no gender discrimination of any kind have taken place in our society."
So, do you agree with Kashag’s claim that there never has been gender discrimination in our society? • please justify your stance and • support your stand with adequate reasons.
If you disagree, • please justify your stance, • explain what you think are the causes for women being discriminated and • give well-thought out suggestions on how a gender-equal society can be achieved
DUE DATE All submissions must be received no later than midnight on December 31st, 2008.
ELIGIBILITY Wisdom of Words Essay Competitions is open to all Tibetan Women in Tibet and in exile. GROUP 1: High school Students, is limited to Tibetan females currently enrolled in high school (grades 9 through 12). GROUP 2: College Students and above, is open to Tibetan women of all ages beyond high school.
GUIDELINES Essays may be submitted in English or Tibetan or Chinese language. The word limit for English essays is 1500 words and 3000 words for Tibetan. Please note that essays exceeding these posted limits will automatically be withdrawn from the competition.
SUBMISSIONS Essays may be submitted via postal mail, fax or email by December 31st, 2008. Email is the preferred method of submission.
TWA Email: twa@tibetanwomen.org (preferred)
TWA Mailing Address Tibetan Women's Association
Central Executive Committee
Bhagsunag Road
P.O. Mcleod Ganj
Dharamsala 176219
Kangra, HP
India
Fax number; 91-1892-221528
Applicants must include the following data for verification and eligibility purposes all applicants must include the following information along with their essay: 1. Group 1 (High School Students) or Group 2 (College Students and Above) 2. Full Name 3. Mailing Address 4. Email 5. Telephone Number 6. Age 7. Birthplace Please note that this information will be held in the strictest of confidence and will not be available to the judges, nor published, in part or in full, without the permission of the participant.
PRIZES Group 1 (High school Students) First Prize: 5000 rupees Second Prize: 3000 rupees Third Prize: 2000 rupees Group 2 (College Students and above) First Prize: 10,000 rupees Second Prize: 7500 rupees Third Prize: 5000 rupees Winners in all categories of both groups will be announced by March 12th, 2008. If you have questions not answered by the above information of require additional information please contact us at twa@tibetanwomen.org
Tips for writing the essay 1. The topic has been given to you in points to make it clear but you do not have to write the essay in points. Write it in the essay format, i.e. in paragraphs. 2. Please take your time in writing the essay. Do research from journals, books, the Internet or ask somebody knowledgeable. However, always quote your source, in brackets or at the end of the essay. Everybody welcomes a well-researched article, plus it will make you more credible. Most important, you will enjoy doing this project. 3. DO NOT COPY OTHERS WORK. This is known as plagiarism which is considered a very serious offence, as it is the same as stealing. Your work will be disqualified straight away. As mentioned above, if you take reference from somebody else's work, always give the name of that person and the name of the journal, book or publication.
Make your writing a good reading!