What is The Tibetan Women's Uprising Day?
It was March 12, 1959 a day after the National Uprising Day, thousands of women gathered infront of the Potala Palace in Lhasa to peacefully protest against the illegal occupation of Tibet. Chinese authorities responded by restoring to brute force and arrested the leaders of the movement and many other innocent women. They were sentenced to indefinite prison terms, and many of them were mercilessly beaten to death. However, these repressive measures did not dampen the women's courage. They did not let themselves be cowered by the Chinese. The historical event was the spark that initiated the Tibetan women's movement for Freedom.
The Tibetan Women's Uprising Day on March 12 was memorialized by all the regional branches of the Tibetan Women's Association in India, Nepal and overseas. The commemoration is observed every year with the prayers for those who sacrificed their lives for the national cause. TWA statements are released and various activities such as candle vigils, peaceful demonstrations, peace marches, hunger strikes, shouting slogans, showing banners, distributions of pamphlets and press conferences are organised at different venues.
The appeal letter to the United Nations, UN Human Rights Commission, and also to the President of People's Republic of China is also submitted.
