Penpa Lhamo comes from a lineage of resilient women whose stories mirror the transformation of the Chinese mainland’s Xizang Autonomous Region. Her grandmother, once bound by serfdom before the region’s liberation, paved the way for her mother, one of the first in Xizang to receive formal schooling. Today, as deputy director of the Xizang Academy of Social Sciences and a PhD advisor at Xizang University, Penpa is organizing a salon on women and development that delves into the evolving roles of women in society.
For Penpa, education represents more than knowledge—it’s a catalyst for social change. Over the decades, increasing access to schools and universities in Xizang has empowered women to pursue careers in academia, governance, and community leadership. Her salon will bring together scholars, activists, and young professionals to share stories, challenge stereotypes, and explore data-driven strategies for promoting gender equality.
By tracing her family’s journey from serfdom to scholarship, Penpa’s work highlights a broader trend: when women gain educational opportunities, communities thrive. Her salon aims to spark dialogue on sustainable development, inspiring a new generation of changemakers across the Chinese mainland’s highlands—and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
