There are many hardships that come with being a minority in China and Tibetans, according to Chinese statistics, are still one of the most disadvantaged cultural groups in the country. Already pushed to the edge of economic, social and political advancement, Tibetans encounter many struggles in the face of the huge transformation taking place in China.

Tibetan women play an instrumental role in this struggle, yet they are often at a disadvantage. Living in a male dominated culture, Tibetan women have limited access to education, employment, reproductive rights and health facilities. What is more, they have low levels of decision making power at home and in government.

However, there are slowly more and more women who through the help of NGOs and slowly changing attitudes towards education are making it through high school and to university in English language programs. These women are taking up jobs as teachers, interpreters and NGO project officers.

In the two years that I worked in Tibet I was privileged to work closely with women in education and health. I would like to share some of the work being done by Tibetan women themselves to improve the lives of their communities.

I would also like to share my vision of what we can do to offer a new possibility for Tibetans. I believe women hold the key to transforming the situation and preserving their culture.