Dharamsala, HP, India, 8 October 2011 - In letters sent to H.E. Ellen
Johnson Sirlef, Ms. Leymah Gbowee and Ms. Tawakul Karman, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama congratulated them for being awarded jointly the Nobel
Peace Prize for 2011.
His Holiness wrote that in this age in which
education and the capacities of the mind, not physical strength, define
leadership, the times has come for women to take more active roles in
all domains of human society as His Holiness feels this will create a
more equitable and compassionate world
His Holiness went on to say that in the 21st century, we have an
obligation to promote a new vision of society, one in which war has no
place in resolving disputes among states, communities or individuals,
but in which non-violence is the pre-eminent value in all human
relations. And for this the role of women is crucially important.
His Holiness also wrote that he is convinced that even if only a few
individuals work to create peace and act responsibly and kind-heartedly
towards others, they will have a positive influence in their community.
His Holiness said that the achievements of the Nobel Prize winners are
evidence of this as well as inspiration to others that, as well as being
equally capable, women have an equal responsibility to take the lead.
His Holiness concluded by writing the Noble Committee is an
acknowledgment of the growing importance of women's leadership, which
can only benefit women and society at large.
