In a concerted effort to tackle sexual and gender-based violence and persistent gender inequalities, RENEW, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, held an intensive teacher training last week aimed at deepening comprehensive sexuality education across Bhutan’s schools. The three-day workshop brought together educators from twelve schools in Chhukha and four institutions under Phuentshogling Thromde to explore the cognitive, emotional, physical and social dimensions of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The programme builds on the Ministry’s landmark 2021 decision to integrate comprehensive sexuality education into the national curriculum, yet organisers stressed that classroom instruction alone cannot fully address the sensitive nature of these topics. “Even though these subjects are included in our syllabus, many critical aspects—such as the long-term consequences of gender-based violence—aren’t covered in depth,” said Dechen Choden, a teacher at Darla Higher Secondary School. “Hands-on training like this equips us to bring these conversations to life for our students, which in turn benefits the wider community.”
Dorji Tshering, Principal of Logchina Middle Secondary School in Chhukha, echoed the sentiment: “Understanding these issues can be challenging for teachers and principals. If we lack clarity, our ability to support students suffers. Workshops by RENEW and the Ministry give us the practical tools needed to guide adolescents through these complex topics.”
According to RENEW’s Phuentshogling Community Service Centre, the number of reported gender-based violence cases continues to climb, with over 1,300 incidents documented nationwide in 2024 alone. Given the geographical challenges of reaching remote schools, RENEW has mobilised the Druk Adolescent Initiative for Sexual Awareness Network (DAISAN), a peer-education network that trains teachers to return to their home communities as peer mentors. “We can’t bring every school to us,” explained Pema Choki, Centre Manager. “Instead, we empower teachers to carry this knowledge back to their students and promote ongoing peer support.”
With community service centres now active in thirteen districts, RENEW plans to scale up these collaborative training programmes over the coming months. By fostering a network of well-prepared educators, the organisation and the Ministry hope to create safer learning environments, equip adolescents with life-saving information, and ultimately curb the rise of sexual and gender-based violence across Bhutan.
