At an elevation of 4,500 meters in the vast expanses of the Tibetan plateau, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Women who once adhered strictly to traditional roles are stepping into the forefront of economic and social change. Leading this movement is Wangtso, a resilient woman whose journey from hardship to entrepreneurship is inspiring many across the region.
Born and raised in Nagqu, one of the highest cities in the world, life for Wangtso was anything but easy. As a single mother of three, she faced the daunting challenge of providing for her family. With limited opportunities and having never attended school or learned Mandarin, she initially resorted to selling scrap to make ends meet.
“In many areas of Tibet, women depend on their husbands to earn a living while they take care of the children,” she reflects. “But from my own experience, I believe it’s important for women to learn to support themselves and pave their own path in life.”
Determined to change her circumstances, Wangtso embarked on learning the basics of business. Her perseverance led her to co-found the Nagqu Herding Women’s Joint Venture Company. This enterprise not only provided for her family’s needs—including her daughter’s medical expenses—but also became a beacon of hope for other women in similar situations.
Today, most of the employees at her company are women from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are single mothers like herself. Through her leadership, these women have gained the means to support their families independently, breaking free from the confines of traditional gender roles.
“She’s shown us that by controlling our own fate, we can bring about positive change for ourselves and those around us,” says one of her colleagues. The company’s success has not only improved their livelihoods but has also started to shift perceptions within their community about the roles women can play in society.
Wangtso’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of empowering women at a grassroots level. As more Tibetan women follow in her footsteps, they’re collectively fostering social and economic transformation in one of the world’s most remote regions.
Reference(s):
The inspiring women of the plateau defying traditional gender roles
cgtn.com
