Dharamsala: 17th May 2012, marks 17 years of captivity since 17th May 1995, when Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama and his family went missing. For the last seventeen years, no definitive, credible information has surfaced about their whereabouts and wellbeing.

The Central and the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, has a new initiative, ‘Mother’s call for their son: Panchen Lama’, which includes a postcard action about the Panchen Lama and urges the Chinese government to provide information on Panchen Lama’s wellbeing and whereabouts from a mother’s perspective. The text on the post card is a clear promising message from mothers to their son; who has been abducted for 17 long years, mothers’ attempt to visualize their son’s growth and his well being.

TWA resolves to post 10,000 post cards from all over India and more from regional TWA Nepal and overseas chapters, all signed by mothers.

“Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s abduction is not only a violation of Tibet’s religious freedom and it is also a human rights violation,” said Tashi Dolma, the newly elected President of Tibetan Women’s Association.

Padma Choling, Tibet’s Chinese appointed Governor, in March 2010, told reporters that “Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are now living a good life as ordinary citizens in Tibet.” This statement comes without substantial evidence, Tibetans see no reason to believe in this and thus we urge the Chinese Authorities to prove the truth in it. We have deliberately addressed the post cards to Padma Choling (Pema Thinley) with much anticipation that he will convey the post cards to His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama. According to his statement in March 2010, it is clear that Padma Choling knows very well the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.

We also have a daylong petition signing campaign addressed to Zhu Weiqun, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department, China’s official spokesperson for Tibetan affairs, demanding proofs of whereabouts and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama be released immediately.

Please join the movement on 17th May 2012 with our chapters in your locality.
No borders, no race, no cultural differences, just a mother wanting to see her son. Please we urge you all to join and help us find the 11th Panchen Lama. Help us make the Chinese Government give us some answers about him.

Press Contacts:
Samten Chodon, Vice President 09418936118
Pema Choedon, Tibetan Research and Media 08679718481

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: We are looking to hire a Research and Media Officer; the officer will need the skills to research and write reports concerning women’s issues as well as newsletters, press releases and various publications to support the work of TWA.

Remuneration: The selected candidate will receive a salary of rupees 10,000 and rent allowance of rupees 1,500 per month.

Criteria’s and Qualifications;

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a female and below 35 years
• Masters in English Literature or higher degrees
• Preferably have masters degree in Journalism or Mass Communication and work experience in the related field
• Have fair computer knowledge
• Have excellent English spoken and written skills
• Be creative, tactful and decisive
• Have very good Public Relation skills
• Be very resourceful
• A good team worker
• Be a public speaker

Aspiring applicants are advised to send us a copy of the following;
Covering letter addressed to the President of TWA
‘Statement of Purpose’ –explaining why you deserve this position (minimum 350 words)
Curriculum Vitae,
Attested copies of Green Book,
Attested copies of Registration Certificate,
Degree certificates
Medical certificate
One Reference Letters
Passport photo

Preferably send the details via email: twa@tibetanwomen.org / tibwomen@gmail.com

Please key in the email subject as: RECRUITS: Research and Media Officer
Phone: 01892-221527 / 221198
Please make your submission no later than midnight of Thursday, 7th June 2012
Postal address;
President
Tibetan Women’s Association
Bhagsu Nag Road
P.O. Mcleod Ganj
Dharamsala 176219
Distt. Kangra
India
_____________________________________________________________________

Source: Phayul.com

The move comes after a protest featuring almost 200 women from all over Ngaba County, including those from the villagers of Gyade Tsosum and Adhue. According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, the group marched almost seven kilometres to protest at various government offices for the release of all Tibetan prisoners who were imprisoned last month, following a protest against the corruption in security forces.

They were later stopped by armed security personnel at Tsamrig village, however a ‘big clash’ was averted after leaders of the local monasteries intervened to ease the situation and avoid any further risk of violence to protesters.

Although group did disperse following this involvement from local leaders, Tibetan residents of Adhue Thawa village will now refuse to farm their fields until the release of Tibetan prisoners who have been held without any right or reason.

Seven Tibetans were released on May 5th after being forced to attend ‘patriotic re-education’ sessions but this farming boycott is yet another sign of unity among the Tibetan people for a free country, free of oppression and free of the Chinese government.

Dharamshala, May 4th. In the wake of the growing unrest, the annual Miss Tibet Contest has been suspended in protest of the country’s ‘grim’ condition under the Chinese government.

Far different from its western counterparts, the Miss Tibet contest aims to promote the country’s traditions and culture by celebrating the important role women have in society. In addition, they campaign for the need to improve access and opportunities for Tibetan women everywhere.
In a short statement on its website, Director, Lobsang Wangyal, said:

“I write with profound sadness for the tense situation in Tibet, as it is evident from the 34 cases of self-immolations since March 2011: I have decided to forgo this year’s Miss Tibet Pageant.

With the lives of many Tibetans at state, the very grim circumstances leave no room for pageantry and celebrations. I take this opportunity to remember and pay homage to those who have died for the Tibetan cause and stand in solidarity with all the Tibetans in Tibet. “

This news is not unheard of, and it has been common in the past for the Chinese government to directly intervene with events such as these. In 2005 and 2007, Tibetan entrants were banned from an international beauty pageant after refusing to bow down to pressure from the Chinese government to replace their ‘Miss Tibet’ sash with ‘Miss Tibet-China’.

The inaugural Miss Tibet Contest first began in 2002, and celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, it aims to support and recognise Tibetan women everywhere. The events address the tendency for some Tibetans and members of the international community to view Tibetan women to only be engaged in activities that are based on a society built on tradition.

The culture of Tibet is alive, not stagnant. It evolves and grows to the constant changing cultures, especially with young women who wish, and have every right to, the same opportunities as their international and male counterparts.

The Miss Tibet Contest aims to encourage women to demonstrate the full range of their capabilities and interests. Young girls often have limited opportunities to advance and fulfil their potential, instead, the majority of Tibetan girls are restricted to traditional professions for women. For some who do even have this opportunity through education, they have no choice but to undertake low paying and dangerous labour.

The Miss Tibet Pageant aims to address and answer such problems. It not only aims to promote awareness of the deteriorating situation in Tibet, but act as role model for young Tibetan girls everywhere.

Source: Thepetitionsite.com

China’s ‘methods’ of child control has long been a controversial issue around the world. The Chinese government initially introduced the ‘One Child Policy’ in 1978 to combat the rapidly growing population. However there has been strong evidence to suggest women are being subjected to forced sterilisations and abortions in a effort to enforce this policy.

This subject has only been further highlighted by the recent online exhibition by Claire Kern, titled Silent Genocide, and the escape of political prisoner Chen Guangcheng, a outspoken critic of China’s one child policy and use of forced sterilisation and abortions on women. More often than not, sterilisation is done without aesthetic with improper equipment. Those who oppose are threatened with the loss of their job, property or even imprisonment.

Tibetan women are even in greater risk, given the government’s past disregard for their human rights and freedoms. Although the Chinese Government have stated the policy will be reviewed, there must be action and justice immediately to ensure that no women are subjected to such torment. Sign the petition to do your part and end this suffering.

Source: Silent Genocide.WordPress.com

A picture can paint a thousand words and in no way does that ring more true than in a recent exhibition titled ‘Silent Genocide’, which highlights the harrowing ordeals suffered by Tibetan women as they are subjected to forced sterilisation.

The exhibition is the creation of Claire Kern, a freelance photographer and student at the University of Wales. In an interview, Claire described her approach to her work:

“I wanted to deliver a series of photographs that not only contains symbols of womanhood but Tibetan culture and the current situation. I would like to make the viewer question his/her own perception: What is it I am looking at? Where does this come from? Where does this of skin belong to? How was that scar made?”

There is overwhelming evidence that Tibetan women have been subjected to forced sterilisation by the ruling Chinese government, such methods include the pill, the implant, the coal (also called the Chinese ring for its specific design), and Laparoscopy; which is the severing and tying of the fallopian tube. Injustices in Tibet can often be overlooked internationally, because ostensibly women have more freedom than those in China – with a two child rather than one child policy. However interviews with Tibetan refugees reveal that women are often given no choice before undergoing these procedures and even when there is a guise of choice, they are entirely unaware of their reproductive rights.

Source: ClaireKern.WordPress.com

Claire’s inspiration first came from her parents who openly discussed the situation in Tibet and Buddhism and its basic principles, such as Karma. Such an upbringing would continue to play a role in her choices however it was the viewing of a documentary of a documentary that was pivotal for Claire. The documentary, ‘Dispatches: Under Cover in Tibet’, was made by a Tibetan and British duo, Tash Despa and Jezza Neumann respectively. Broadcast in March 2008, the documentary saw Tasha Despa return to her country after an 11-years of self-exile after fears for her safety. Alongside Jezza Neumann, they uncovered evidence of the suffering by the Tibetan people to which his holiness the Dalia Lama described as ‘cultural genocide’. The documentary revealed the horrors inflicted on the Tibetan way of life, not least of all evidence of forced sterilizations on ethic Tibetan women. It was these accounts that inspired Claire’s work, she recalls:

“I was going through choices of my own at the time … I felt hugely lucky to have the freedom of my own at the time so her story resonated with me,… and I found myself asking ‘Why is it that I can make these choices when others cannot?…A woman should always have the choice to make such a decision.”

Claire’s work is truly a brutal insight on forced sterilisation, however perhaps what is most striking about her exhibition is that it only a brief glimpse of the on-going atrocities, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. We can only wonder what the true consequences felt by these women and future women if action is not taken. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but what does this say about the thousands of pictures already taken and at what cost? A generation of Tibetan people have been lost but lest they not be in vain.

The Chinese government has been eager to show the world it has changed however Claire’s piece is a reminder that although we must press for change for Tibetan women, we must not forgot those who have suffered and who continue to do so. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends; these woman have suffered atrocities that no person should ever go through again and thus change in China is imperative.

The 10th General body meeting (GBM) of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA), the largest women’s organization in exile concluded on April 16 with the election of the new executive members.

147 women from central TWA and 33 regional chapters gathered for a ten-day rigorous session (April 7-16): 4-day ‘women empowerment training’ and ‘6-day GBM.’

During the GBM, the members discussed on a 17-point agenda on the broad topics: With the Homeland, Action in Exile, International advocacy and representation, and strengthening TWA organizational structure.

A 15-point resolution were arrived at on the topics: Long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Political struggle of Tibetans inside Tibet and urgent actions in exile, Empowering social lives of women inside Tibet, Release of Tibetan female political prisoners, Preservation of Tibetan language, quality education and health care of Tibetan women, social empowerment of women in exile, Political empowerment of women in exile, international representation of and by Tibetan women, procuring professional women by encouraging specialized studies, outreach to Chinese people, drawing tangible support from Indian government and people, amplifying suppressed intellectual voices of Tibetan women inside Tibet and strengthening TWA (central and regional) structure and influence.

The resolution derived from the board agendas will serve as action plan for TWA and its chapters for the next three years (2012-2015).

A significant amendment to the TWA charter came in the form of an addition of an extra clause to the rules on ‘election of central executive members’. According to the amendment, incumbent women parliamentarians are barred from contesting the election of TWA central executive members. The amendment received a unanimous support from the body.

The 10th executive members are:

Tashi Dolma –President. Formerly served as TWA’s vice president (2000-2003),

Samten Choedon –Vice President. Retained her former post as vice president of TWA (2009 – 2012),

Nyima Lhamo- General Secretary, Served as staff (program coordinator for TWA’s ‘Empowerment through Action desk’),

nun Tenzin Tselha – Served as former executive member of TWA (2000-2003),

Tsering Choedon, – advocate with Human Rights and Law Network (HRLN) Delhi,

Tsering Wangmo, – served as staff (Capacity building manager for TWA),

Tenzin Deckyi – served as staff (sponsorship officer for TWA),

Tsering Dolma, – served as president of RTWA Pokhra Jampaling,

Pema Choedon, – served as president of RTWA Varanasi,

Tsering Dolma, – former member of Tibetan Parliament in exile

and Tenzin Bhuti – served as former vice president of TWA (2006-2009).

The election of the 10th executive members heralded a new milestone for TWA following the successful tenure of the 9th executive members. The outgoing executive members are: Tsering Yangzom Oshoe, (General Secretary), Tenzin Dolma (Joint secretary) and Dhardon Sharling (Research and Communications officer).

6-day crucial meeting to assess past and frame future activities

Dharamsala, April 11: 140 grassroots women leaders belonging to 33 regional chapters of Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) have converged in Dharamsala for the 6-day (April 11 -16) General Body Meeting (GBM), the 10th in the series of TWA’s history. Chief guest former Kalon Tripa, professor Samdhong Rinpoche and guest of honor Rinchen Khando, founding president of TWA and former Kalon graced the opening ceremony.

The GBM convened after every three years is the highest decision making body of TWA and is empowered to amend the association’s working charter. The 10th GBM will elect the 10th central executive officers. The concluding ceremony including the announcement of the election results is slated for 5 pm on April 16 – the final day of the meeting.

The photo album of the opening ceremony can be viewed here or at the bottom of the page. Also see the bottom of this page for a video of the opening ceremony.

Prior to the 6-day GBM, TWA organized a 4-day ‘Women empowerment training’ from April 7 to 10 on myriad topics affecting the internal and external strengthening of Tibetan women on the leadership front. The training topics included: legal empowerment and human rights, women’s health, communication skills, team building, grants and fundraising, environment and climate change. Legal experts from Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) led the 2-day legal rights training, while TWA trainers led the 2-day women’s leadership training.

The Central TWA has drafted a 17-point agenda covering a wide range of issues: political, social, educational, advocacy and empowerment initiatives to reinforce, capacitate and strengthen the role of Tibetan women in the Tibetan freedom struggle. Adequate time will be provided for discussions, brainstorming sessions, and deliberations, on the agenda. All resolutions derived from these broad agendas will serve as the action plan for TWA and its chapters for the next three years (2012-2015).

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On the 53rd anniversary of Women’s Uprising day, march 12, 2012, TWA announced its third phase of the ‘Suitable Development Project inside Tibet’. The central and regional members pledged Indian Rupees Five lakh (Rs. 5,00,000) to benefit Tibetan women and children on the Tibetan plateau. The money was raised by TWA members who partook in the one-day solidarity hunger fast organized by the Tibetan Parliament in exile to express solidarity with the people who have self-immolated for the Tibetan cause. These women donated the money that they would have spent on food for their family.

Today on the first day of the 10th GBM, TWA is delighted to make public that as pledged, we are sending the money to educate women inside Tibet. These funds will be conveyed through a reliable NGO based in Tibet to support female students from nomadic families to attend day school at the middle school level and to help young Tibetan women complete a four-year BA degree in Tibet and China for the academic year 2012-2013.

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In the light of the recent spate of self immolations inside Tibet – of Tibetan men and women, monks and nuns, and its subsequent impact on the international community, TWA is publishing a report titled ‘A Study of Tibetan Self Immolations: Its history, motive and reaction.’ The report provides a brief summary of the 34 self-immolations that took place between February 27, 2009 and March 30, 2012 and an overview of the international response to these acts of self-sacrifice. The report provides a perspective on the new heightened form of non-violent protests inside Tibet which continue to alarm the world and which includes five women – three nuns and two laywomen. Our Chief Guest Professor Samdhong Rinpoche and our Special Guest Rinchen Khando launched the report at the significant gathering of women leaders. The digital version of the book is now available on TWA’s website – see our reports page.

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From a humble beginning in 1984 in exile India, TWA is today the second largest NGO (16,000 members) in exile and the only women’s NGO in Tibetan history with a global network of 56 regional chapters spread over 3 continents.

In the course of TWA’s history, Tibetan women have had a steadfast presence in- empowering women in the Tibetan freedom struggle, amplifying the suppressed voices of Tibetans in Tibet, lobbying world leaders, empowering women in exile on social, political, educational and economic front, strengthening democracy in exile, advocating for Tibet’s environment and in strengthening the TWA organizational structure and influence.

Photos from the General Body Meeting:

TWA’s slogan is ‘Advocacy for home and Action in exile.’

Issued by Central Tibetan Women’s Association, April 11, 2012

www.tibetanwomen.org

Press contacts:
Tsering Yangzom oshoe (General Secretary): 9418413625
Dhardon Sharling (Research and Communications officer): 9418791189

Source: Kevin Frayer/Associated Press

Paramilitary officers have been active in much of the Tibetan neighbourhood, Tenzin Norsang, joint secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, was arrested and held in a local jail. After being contacted on his cell phone, Norsang said there was an additional 156 Tibetans being imprisoned including 23 women. These figures were later confirmed by a police official wishing to keep his anonymity, who said 151 people had been arrested by Tuesday, with further prisoners en route. Before communication was lost, Tenzin said: “Indian police are doing what we want. Either let us condemn Hu Jintao’s visit or detain us.”

On the Wednesday before President Hu arrived, Tibetan groups protested outside the Oeroi Hotel where he would residing, however their efforts were stopped by troops with activists reporting two girls and a boy were later detained.

For much of these Tibetans there is a sense of conflict. On one hand, they protest for their freedom, his holiness the Dalai Lama, their country; however the police who oppose them are simply following orders from their government following pressure from the Chinese authorities to avoid any high profile protests that have occurred in recent years.

Tenzin Dolkar, a grassroots co-ordinator for Students for a Free Tibet India, was in Delhi and involved during President Hu Jintao’s visit. For four days she continuity protested, evading police for much of it before being arrested on the final day. She says:

“The police were generally very good to us. Although I think they are just following orders, most of them known about our situation and sympathise with. However, I do wish there took a more gentle approach when we are protesting. Most of the Tibetans I know in prison have generally been treated well but sometimes they have been beaten up, especially when protesting directly outside the Chinese embassies.”

For exiled Tibetans residing in India, protesting is neither protected or a given right, hence many find themselves suppressed in their attempts. However their efforts is a clear sign that support for a free Tibet is rife across the world, and the Chinese Government can no longer hide behind the shroud of deceit it has long relied on.

TWA organizes a crucial Panel Discussion on the eve of Hu Jintao’s India visit

New Delhi, March 27, 2012: In the wake of heightening Tibetan resistance and desperation, intensifying Chinese military response, and Asia’s looming water crisis threatening the future of regional stability, there is no doubt that the global eye has shifted east.

To view pictures of the event, please see the bottom of this page or visit TWA’s Flickr page here.

In preparation for Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to New Delhi tomorrow, the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) hosted an “Academic Dialogue” today to present imperative viewpoints to decision-makers and the public regarding Sino-Indian-Tibetan affairs. Four speakers debated “What the Tibetan Leverage Means for India Today,” and engaged in a question-and- answer session after their individual 15-minute statements.

The event, held at the Casuriana Hall of New Delhi’s India Habitat Center, commenced with a moment of silence to respect those who are contributing to the peaceful resolution for Tibet crisis – “Tibetan, Chinese, or other, alive or passed on.” Special recognition was made to yesterday’s self-immolation by Jamphel Yeshi (27) in New Delhi on March 26.

Following the introduction, four speakers offered insight into Sino-India-Tibet realities: Mr. Tempa Tsering, Special Representative for the Delhi Bureau Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Dr. Mohan Guruswamy, Chairman and Founder of the Centre for Policy Alternatives and author of ‘Chasing the Dragon: Will India Catch Up with China?’; Former Major General Vinod Saighal, internationally acclaimed political author and Executive Director of Eco Monitors Society (EMS); and Tenzin Tsundue, writer, 2001 winner of the Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction, and renowned Tibetan activist.

Tempa Tsering began the discussion with an overview of past and present Tibetan history, relating notable events to a declining trust among Asian neighbors today. Tsering highlighted sources of Tibetan inspiration for nonviolent resistance and insisted that military might is not a sole source of power. He called on other countries to represent their stated principles, and suggested that India can contribute to progress in Sino-Tibet affairs under the Middle Way Policy, a path continuously encouraged by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Mohan Guruswamy followed Tsering with a compelling assessment of Indian and Chinese military positioning, the statehood of Tibet, and a review of the Indian policy of compassion toward troubled governments and citizens. “When the Tibetans threw out the Chinese in 1913, they came to India: we are a place of refuge. We are home to Afghans, Ugyurs, Burmese, Pakistanis, Tamils… it is the nature of India.” Dr. Guruswamy insisted that though Tibetan activities have a strong impact on the Indian community, India would not go to war over Tibetan issues—India can only continue to pressure for the resumption of dialogues.

Tenzin Tsundue started off by acknowledging United States and India’s inability to assist Tibet—country efforts that are thwarted by business interests. Tsundue recognized India’s particularly immense desire to lessen neighborly tensions and claimed that “India gives us [Tibetans] our strength, our confidence—India is our guru.” Tsundue pointed to Tibetan unity on the boycott of Losar in honor of self-immolations, defining the “Tibetan Leverage” to be the Tibetan freedom struggle itself. “If there is any leverage India seeks—it’s the Tibetan people—they make the Tibetan freedom struggle a threat to China.” He warned of an impending Chinese collapse that will drastically damage the western corporate investment that has propped China up. “We are already free and have nothing to lose aside from Chinese insecurity.” Tsundue asserted that if China has any fear, it is of the unity and the spiritual strength of the Tibetan people. He affirmed that ‘this is the leverage Tibetans have to offer.’

Major General Vinod Saighal contended that ‘dialogues’ are among equals, and the western recession has eliminated the ability of many governments continue respectable dialogue with China. “Money talks… the day that India can ‘talk’ will be the day India tells China to talk to a representative of His Holiness.” Until then, General Saighal suggested Tibetan nonviolence itself to be the ‘Tibetan Leverage,” as a force the world has never seen before.

An audience of students of various levels, news media, concerned citizens, and intellectuals responded to the statements with follow-up questions and requests for elaboration during the preliminary question an answer session, held before a break for hi-tea.

In response to a question requesting concrete examples of potential Indian action, Tempa Tsering claimed that India had already done everything within its political limitations, and Guruswamy agreed and said that ‘Freedom is something people must earn themselves.” Tenzin Tsundue pointed to the many political calculations that failed to predict the Arab Spring or the fall of the USSR—human efforts. He suggested that India recognize historical Tibetan independence in order to claim their right to Arunachal Pradesh under the bilateral treaty signed between Tibet and British India in 1914.

The panelists also responded to inquiries regarding foreign response to self-immolation and media coverage of Tibetan events. Guruswamy said that while India is ‘unhappy to see people immolating, it has a responsibility as a rising power.’ Tsundue asserted that ‘Tibetans will fight and win our freedom, but we will not kill ourselves – we may set ourselves on fire, but we will not hurt the other. This is our spirit’.

Upon breaking for hi-tea, approximately ten policemen in plain-clothes, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, ambushed Tenzin Tsundue while he was speaking with guests and “preventatively arrested” him around 5:30 p.m. TWA officials pleaded with the authorities to let Tsundue complete his commitment, but were met with violent shoves. Tsundue was dragged to his feet and forced out the back door, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Tenzin Tsundue’s unexpected detainment proved a stark reminder of the reality –‘Tibet’s leverage’-that spawned today’s panel discussion.

TWA was founded in 1959 in Lhasa, Tibet, and is the second-largest Tibetan non-governmental organization in exile. TWA is committed to the Middle Way Policy seeking genuine autonomy within the framework of PRC, and believes that thought-provoking discussion is one of the effective ways to mark President Hu Jintao’s visit to India and suggest the continuation of dialogues among government representatives.

Press Contact:
Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, President, TWA: 0-9882291202
Dhardon Sharling, Communications officer, TWA: 0-9418791189