His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Advocacy for Gender Equality

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been a powerful global voice for gender equality, emphasizing that compassion, wisdom, and leadership are not confined by gender. He often says, “The world needs more women leaders,” recognizing their unique role in shaping a more compassionate future.

For Tibetans, His Holiness has been a transformative figure in advancing women’s rights. He initiated reserved seats for women in the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, supported the revival of the Tibetan Women’s Association in exile—a continuation of its legacy in independent Tibet—and was instrumental in enabling Tibetan nuns to attain the Geshema degree, equivalent to a Ph.D. in Buddhist philosophy.

Through both words and action, His Holiness has opened new pathways for women’s leadership, education, and empowerment—ensuring that Tibetan women, and women everywhere, have a vital role in shaping a more just, peaceful world.

The Second Commission of the Tibetan People’s Deputies (February 20, 1964 – September 1, 1966) had 17 elected members, with three seats reserved for women – one from each region of Tibet. Taring Rinchen Dolma (U-tsang), Yabtsang Dechen Dolma (Dhotoe) and Taklha Tsering Dolma (Dhomey) became the first Tibetan women parliamentarians in exile. Photo courtesy: Tibet Documentation
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the TWA following its re-establishment on September 10, 1984. Front row seated L to R: Namgyal Lhamo Taklha, Rinchen Dolma Taring, Jetsun Pema, Rinchen Khando, Khando Chagzoetsang. Photo courtesy: Tibet Documentation
Participants of the re-established Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) receiving an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence. The TWA was officially re-established on September 10, 1984 with the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and today has over 20,000 members and 58 chapters worldwide. Photo courtesy: Tibet Documentation
Members of the 11th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (May 29, 1991 - May 28, 1996). In May 1990, His Holiness the Dalai Lama initiated far-reaching democratic reforms through the promulgation of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile. The reform expanded the Assembly to 46 members, reserving two seats for women from each of the three provinces – U-tsang, Dhotoe and Dhomey.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the historic ceremony awarding nuns the first Geshema Degrees, Drepung Lachi in Mundgod, Karnataka, India, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
Joyful faces of some of the twenty nuns to be awarded Geshema Degrees, standing in the front row in the courtyard of Drepung Lachi Monastery, following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address, Mundgod, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting Geshema degrees to each of the first twenty recipients, Drepung Lachi, Mundgod, Karnatak, India, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
Two Geshemas offering their respects to His Holiness the Dalai Lama after the end of the lunch with him, following the first Geshema Convocation, Drepung Lachi, Mundgod, Karnataka, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
Namdol Phuntsok, who achieved the highest results in the Geshem examination, presenting a citation of gratitude to His Holiness at Drepung Lachi Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, India, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the first twenty nuns to receive a Geshema degree, Drepung Lachi Monastery, Mundgod, Karnatak, India, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
Geshema Certificate, December 22, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
Joy of the Geshemas gathered in Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, the day after the first Geshema Convocation, Mundgod, India, December 23, 2016. Photo by Olivier Adam
← Previous The 14th Dalai Lama Next →