Tibetan women have always been at the forefront of our struggle. From protesting against Chinese forces on the Dri-bu-Yul-Khai Thang in front of the Potala Palace in 1959 to preserving our culture and heritage in exile, Tibetan women have never shied away from a challenge. Time and again, Tibetan women have shown leadership, courage and humility of our greatest heros.

Yet the 16th Tibetan Parliament in exile seems to disagree. Of the 45 elected members, only 12 (27%) are women. Lobsang Sangay la's Cabinet is even more concerning. Not one single women of the 60 thousand (45%) exiled Tibetan women could find a seat in his Cabinet. At a time when we need to unite and work together, we are leaving nearly half of our population behind. This is not acceptable. Women have the right to be equally represented at every level of society. Women belong in the parliament. Women must serve in the Cabinet.

Please add your name to this petition calling upon Lobsang Sangay la and the Parliament to end gender discrimination and champion gender equality. We call on them to:

• audit the current state of gender equality in our community;
• lay down a clear plan detailing how they will build a more gender equity Tibetan society by 2021.

#GenderDiversityNow