Bridging Gender Gap in Bhutan: CSOs’ Response to Gender Disparity

Social relationship between men and women in Bhutan is traditionally characterized by gender equality, which is unique in South Asian region where prejudices against women are quite common. Bhutan’s national laws and policies that reflect the principles of gross national happiness (GNH) are gender neutral, and it accrues equal status and protection to both men and women. However, gender disparities exist especially in tertiary education, labour force participation and decision making. Gender disparity is particularly marked in leadership roles where the number of males hugely dominate their female counterparts, hence signposting that decision making could be skewed toward men. Today, as societies gradually shift from traditional subsistence-based agrarian form to diversified economy, the position of women and gender power relations are also changing. The government’s will to promote gender equality is evident from various policies and programmes adopted by the Bhutanese government. The role of civil society organizations (CSOs) is also crucial in augmenting this change toward gender parity in all aspects. The recognition of gender gaps and ensuing responses from CSOs were rapid and strategically significant. Amongst many aspects of civil society’s engagement, this exercise explored five prominent areas where CSOs play a crucial role towards empowering women in Bhutan: (1) education and skills development, (2) entrepreneurship development, (3) micro-finance for women, (4) leadership capacity development and (5) awareness and advocacy. The intervention of civil societies in these five aspects plays a crucial role in bridging gender gaps in Bhutan.