Dharamsala community members at the TWA Panel Discussion on the Middle Way Approach, held on 10 September
The Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) commemorated its 28th anniversary in exile this month, and paid tribute to the many Tibetan heroes who sacrificed their lives during the uprising of 1959 and the subsequent years of repressive Chinese policies within Tibet. The organization was involved in restoring freedom for their people well into the 1960’s, both in Tibet and in exile, and under the blessing and leadership of His Holiness The Dalai Lama the organization was re-established in India on September 10, 1984. Currently, the TWA has 56 regional chapters all over the world with more than 16,000 total members.
On their anniversary this year, the TWA began their commemorated the event by organizing a debate on the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach, which does not seek independence from China, but calls for a genuine religious and cultural autonomy within Tibet. The debate was attended by Tibetans, foreigners, and representatives from local NGOs.
The TWA has had a long history in contributing to the Tibetan cause by consistently raising international pressure and awareness about the human and environmental rights violations that have been committed inside Tibet. Furthermore, the organization pushes for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, and language by educating and empowering women through advocacy, education, and social services.
Some of the projects that TWA is involved in include financially and occupationally assisting families in need, especially many single mothers. Additional TWA projects include Stitches of Tibet, an 18-month training program which provides recently-arrived women from Tibet an opportunity to work and earn a living in the community as tailors. Furthermore, the TWA offers these women financial support for educational endeavors.
For its next endeavor the TWA is planning the selection of new board members who will be democratically elected by popular vote among its members, with a planned resolution to be completed within the next three years.
The future seems very hopeful for this organization as it continues on the road to restoring and promoting human rights for all the Tibetan people, both in Tibet and in exile.
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