Tibetan Women's Association marks its 25th anniversary in Exile
photo courtesy; Yeshi Choesang (Tibet Post)"Today, when there is a new understanding among the women in the Tibetan community, and the assumption of new responsibility among them, leading to the gaining of a new experience, there is a new determination and fruitful results in endeavors undertaken in every aspects of public life. When, thus, the term 'Tibetan women' becomes a recognized force on the world stage, I am gladdened by a new sense of happiness and pride; and I have a new sense of confidence."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 1995
September 10, 2009, Dharamsala;
As Tibetan Women's Association turned 25, Tibetan women in exile dedicates this day to rekindling and reiterating their spirit and patriotic fervor by reevaluating their role and reflecting on their presence in the Tibetan freedom struggle. TWA urges women of all ages and groups to assess their past and focus assertively on their future. As mothers of the family, women are the strongest pillar of the country and every Tibetan woman is bestowed with a huge responsibility to nurture the future generations and to instill in them the undying spirit of responsibility and freedom.
TWA traces its origin back to March 1959 in Lhasa, when thousands of Tibetan women gathered in front of the Potala Palace to protest the Chinese invasion. Hundreds lost their lives and thousands were imprisoned. After those fatal days, many Tibetan women fled across the border, seeking asylum along with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As the women in Tibet were struggling to find steady footing, the women in exile fought to help them from the free side of the border. Later, during the 1960's, 70's and up until the mid 80's, the Tibetan women's movement spread into Dharamsala and around India.
Under the indomitable leadership and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and with Tibetan women’s fervid display of much perseverance and strength, the Tibetan Women's Association was reinstated on September 10, 1984. Today, TWA is one of the most powerful women's organizations in Tibetan history, with 49 worldwide chapters across 4 continents: Asia, Europe, America and Australia, and a total of 15,000 members.
Since its re-inception, TWA has committed to a number of social, political, religious, and educational initiatives. However, political imperatives have always been paramount. Under the guidance of the Central TWA, the 49 worldwide chapters are constantly organizing political campaigns and keeping grassroots' initiatives active. TWA members have also continually interspersed themselves throughout the community to help and empower Tibetan's in exile.
TWA has consistently sought to upgrade its own expertise as an internationally focused women’s organization and thus create positive visibility for Tibetan women. The year 2009 is a watershed year for TWA, as it marks the 50th anniversary since its inception in Tibet and 25 years since it's re-inception in exile and this year is also being marked as the 'International Year of Tibetan Women'. This year TWA has received invitation from Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) to attend the Regional Consultation Meeting of WGNRR members from the 15th to 17th October 2009 and significantly to represent Tibet at the 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights (APCRSHR) from the 17th to 20th October 2009 to be held in Beijing, China. TWA's participation will be a milestone in bringing to light the violations that Tibetan women face in Tibet and in connecting with the Chinese women NGOs to collectively combat the injustices inflicted on Tibetan and Chinese women.
To commemorate and make a true portrayal of the 'Twenty Five years in Exile', TWA honored the achievements of Tibetan women. TWA's joint secretary Mrs. Tenzin Dolma welcomed the guests and the few hundred attendees who thronged to the event venue (Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts). This was followed by the singing of the Tibetan national anthem, Indian national anthem and TWA's anthem. TWA's President Kirti Dolkar Lhamo who is also a member of the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament in exile proudly reflected nostalgically on the organization's rich and deep history and lamented that much is to be achieved in the future as we face the critical situation facing Tibet and the Tibetan People.
The chief guest, Rinchen Khando Choegyal, former Kalon (cabinet minister) and the founding president of TWA gave the core address. She sought attention to the often-overlooked fact that women constitute half of the population of any society. She vehemently said that to empower women is to empower the society as a whole and likewise, to forego women's empowerment is to forego the empowerment of the entire society. She reflected on the support inundated by the Tibetan men during the early years of TWA's reestablishment in India and said that this support should continue since it is imperative.
The guest of honor, Gyari Dolma, vice-chairperson of Tibetan Parliament in Exile sent a strong message to the women inside Tibet and said that TWA represents them as much as it represents the exiled Tibetan women.
The former executive members of TWA and the women leaders also attend the public commemoration. On this historic day, culminating in a gathering of powerful women, TWA released three new publications, all of which are oriented specifically towards the condition and experience of Tibetan Women: 1. Kyodung Kyi Migchu (the Tibetan edition of Tears of Silence) 2. Lagrimas De Silencio (the Spanish edition of Tears of Silence) 3. Ji Pey Logok Jes Pe Dhi Mig (key to meaning for beginners).
TWA's general secretary Tsering Yangzom Oshoe presented to the audience, TWA's flagship documentary film 'Breaking the Shackles; 50 years of Tibetan women's struggle' (Tibetan narration) while TWA's research and media officer Dhardon Sharling premiered TWA's maiden documentary film, 'Lhamo Tso; Behind the Sea', which is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of a Tibetan woman. Both the films raked in positive response from the moist eyed and elated audience.
TWA's vice president Samten Choedon concluded the commemorative ceremony with the thanksgiving speech. The motley of attendees; Tibetan men and women of all ages and groups, Indian friends and western supporters joined in the circle dance led by the young and beautiful artists from Thangtor Lukhang Institute of Performing Arts that added exuberance to the day's celebration.
The 25th anniversary of the struggle for rights for Tibetan women generates passion, force and conviction that will surely provide the direction for future political movements as Tibetans everywhere continue to renew their hope of slowly reaching the distant horizon of positive change. The restoration of a peaceful Tibet as envisioned and outlined by His Holiness the Dalai Lama through the Middle Way will have lasting global effects, political and environmental harmony in Asia and peace throughout the world. We urge the Chinese leadership to seize this opportunity, to change the image of China from one of despotic tyranny to one of open transparent government; from that of a regime of violence and oppression to a nation founded upon freedom and justice. We beseech the Chinese Government to open actual and honest negotiation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and work sincerely towards resolving the issue of Tibet in the interests of both the Chinese and Tibetan people. Under the indomitable leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, TWA continues to urge people, from every walk of life, to be the forces of profound change, to be the fundamental foundation of Tibetan's freedom, and to be the agents of Tibetan destiny.