FEMALE FORWARD 2024
Event Feedback: Participation of Women in Strengthening the Democratic Process
It was the evening of October 10, when I found myself amidst 20 young and talented women from different corners of the world, each with a unique story to narrate. We were gathered in New Delhi, India, a land of ancient wisdom, for the FNF Female Forwards 2024 study tour. The goal was simple: to inspire, to empower, and to ignite a spark within us young girls.
Delhi, with its chaotic energy and long-standing history, was a perfect start to our tour. I remember feeling overwhelmed, yet, excited as we navigated the traffic-congested streets. Our first session with an International Labour Organisation (ILO) labour specialist opened my eyes to the challenges faced by workers around the world, including adversities women face in the workplace. I learned about the obstacles women encounter in reaching positions of power and the crucial role of ILO labour law specialists in addressing these issues.
The next day, we visited the FNF office where we had a session with two amazing women, an ex-military personnel and a journalist/author. It was like stepping into different worlds, learning about their unique experiences and perspectives.
This time in Delhi was an unreal experience. I had the incredible opportunity to have lunch at the Austrian Embassy, tea at the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly), and dinner with an ILO labour law specialist. It was a surreal experience to be surrounded by such influential figures and to learn about women's roles in diplomacy, the importance of women in politics, and the challenges faced by workers worldwide. It felt dreamlike being given a seat at that table. I was grateful for the chance to contribute my own perspective and this experience has inspired me to continue advocating for social justice and equality, particularly for women's rights and the Tibetan cause.
We continued our tour to Agra by hopping onto a bus and taking a four-hour ride. We enjoyed the scenes of the Yamuna River along the way and sang to some popular songs until we reached our hotel. We then went for lunch with different entrepreneurs and visited the famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It offered a glimpse into India's rich cultural history.
But it was not the monuments that truly moved me; it was the women I met on this tour.
Beyond the workshops, I discovered an array of talents and dreams. There were scuba divers who danced with the ocean, dancers, and pilots who glided through the skies and photographers who captured stories. Each woman inspired me in her own unique way.
On our last day, my friend Tenzin Lhamo, a fellow Tibetan, and I shared our stories and advocated for the Tibet cause. Throughout the tour, Tibet was introduced and recognised as a country, a small but significant step towards raising awareness and promoting change. Our voice, although a quiet whisper, carried the weight of centuries of struggle. Yet, as I spoke, I felt a sense of strength, a connection with the other women who listened with empathy and understanding.
The tour was more than just a journey; it was a transformation. It was a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, that together, we can build a world where women are empowered, respected, and celebrated. And at the end, we all left with heavy hearts, new friends from across the globe, a new shared playlist, and a promise to visit each other again.