Political Affairs
The Tibetan Women's Associationis actively involved in the public political arena promoting boththe political issue of Tibet and the empowerment of women. TWA isbecoming increasingly active in international meetings on development,the environment, and gender and political issues. TWA's work encompasseslobbying governments and NGOs, organizing press releases, conferences,and petitions that support the Tibetan cause, and raising generalpublic awareness of the human rights abuses in Tibet, particularlyagainst women. Rallying for local and international support is oneof the key ways TWA raises its political voice.
To highlight the involvement ofwomen in the political sphere and to increase focus on women's issues,TWA organized the International Year of Tibetan Women from March 12, 1994to March 12, 1995. During this year, Tibetan women around the world organizeddemonstrations, festivals, video screenings, lectures and public gatheringsto discuss the many issues of Tibet and its women. A festival of Tibetanculture was staged in Bombay, India in January 1995 to commemorate theyear.
Whenever possible TWA participatesin international UN and NGO conferences worldwide. One of TWA's most comprehensivecampaigns has been to attend the UnitedNations Fourth World Conferenceon Women, held in Beijing, China in 1995. While the majority of exiledTibetan women were denied the right to participate, an extensive lobbyingcampaign was launched that succeeded in gaining widespread internationalattention for the plight of Tibetan women.
The anniversary of the March 12th uprisingin 1959 by the women in Lhasa is observed by all the branchesof TWA. TWA also fully participates in the March 10th uprisinggatherings and regards this day as one of the most important days in thehistory of occupied Tibet.
TWA joins hands with women's organizationsworldwide in support of solidarity, exchange of information and a greaterunderstanding of Tibetan women's issues.