Bhutan marked International Women’s Day with the launch of new initiatives aimed at strengthening protection for victims of violence and preventing sexual abuse, during a national event held yesterday in Haa.
The commemoration brought together more than 5,000 people at the public football ground in Haa and was graced by Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The event formed part of Her Majesty’s ongoing nationwide advocacy tour promoting women’s rights, gender equality, and critical public health priorities.
The programme was organised through a collaboration between the National Commission for Women and Children, RENEW, the Ministry of Health, the PEMA Secretariat, UNFPA and UNICEF. Participants included representatives from government agencies, local governments, civil society organisations, development partners, and community members.
During the event, several institutions delivered presentations addressing major challenges affecting women and children in Bhutan. Officials highlighted topics such as gender-based violence, women’s legal rights, access to justice, sexual and reproductive health services, and the support systems available for survivors of violence.
Reena Thapa, Chief Programme Officer at the National Commission for Women and Children, said progress had been made in girls’ education but significant gaps remain in employment opportunities for women.
“According to a report from 2024, although the number of children enrolling in school and graduating from higher education has increased, employment rates for men remain at about 60 percent, while women’s employment is around 40 percent,” she said.
As part of the event, the fourth edition of the Multi-Sectoral Task Force Community-Based Support System Guidelines was launched. The guidelines provide coordinated procedures for government agencies and community groups to respond to cases of violence and support vulnerable individuals.
In addition, a new training handbook on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment was introduced. The handbook is intended to strengthen awareness, improve reporting systems, and enhance accountability within institutions and communities.
Participants said the occasion also highlighted the importance of encouraging women to assume leadership roles and support one another.
Tshering Choden, a trainee teacher from Haa, said women must be empowered to take on responsibilities without fear of discouragement.
“We have been doing it so far, but as a reminder, whenever women step up to take leadership roles, it is important that they are given the confidence to fulfil their duties instead of being discouraged,” she said.
Following the programme, Her Majesty the Queen Mother interacted with members of the public, listening to their concerns and encouraging communities to work collectively in safeguarding and empowering women and girls.
Community members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate the day with Her Majesty and gain greater awareness of issues affecting women.
Dawa Dema from Eusu Gewog said the visit had been meaningful for residents. “The people of Haa are very grateful to Her Majesty for celebrating International Women’s Day with us. We gained a lot of knowledge and advice today, and as a woman I feel blessed to be part of this celebration.”
Karma Choden from Katsho Gewog also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet Her Majesty during the event.
Officials noted that such engagements help strengthen partnerships between institutions and communities in addressing challenges faced by women and vulnerable groups.
Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck will continue her advocacy tour in Phuentshogling and Samtse in the coming week.
