117 Tibetan women leaders from 26 regional chapters of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) assembled at the college of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, to participate in TWA’s 11th General Body meeting. The meeting lasted for 6 days from May 8 – 13 and was inaugurated by the elected leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Mrs Rinchen Khando, the founding president of TWA and Mr Penpa Tsering, speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile were the chief guests.
In addressing the meeting, Dr Lobsang Sangay said that TWA is one of the largest non-government organisations with 17,000 members, and that the TWA is very active in every respect, be it politically, spiritually, culturally, educationally and in advocating the Tibetan cause on international platforms.
Rinchen Khando said that women have always been important in all societies; especially in recent years, women are highly educated and can now make a major contribution to society, unlike in former times. She went on to say that today’s women have no excuse to limit themselves.
TWA honoured its founding members who continue to provide guidance, and ten members were given awards for their 12 years of service and contribution to the cause.
The General Body Meeting is held every three years and is one of TWA’s highest decision making forums. During the gathering, members brainstorm, discuss and plan tactics for the next three years. The new team of central executive members was elected during the meeting and was announced on the final day , May 13.