Enabling Women, Bhutan’s Silent Towers of strength.

Women can really make good set of leaders in Bhutan and a strong foundation for nation building if given an opportunity. It’s an old concept “women’s best place is in the kitchen” in this day and age. It is prerequisite in the democratic society to have balanced representation of voices irrespective of gender. When the world today is placing huge importance on the third gender, why not, at least for our women first.

As of now Bhutan has a woman Minister, constitutional post holders, Ambassadors, Dzongdhas (District Governor), Drangpoens (Judges/Justice), Politicians, Nyikem (red scarf) recipients, Local Leaders (Gups, Mangmis and Tshogpas), Doctors, Engineers, Pilot, Army officers, Teachers, Authors, Painters, Cabbies and so on so forth. In a way, the women leadership is likely to outnumber henceforth. Though as a man, I personally feel the importance of woman’s voice in every nation building and policy decisions for better, sound and healthy democracy.

The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, became democracy in 2008 formally. The Democratic Constitutional Monarchy was instituted as a unique form of government with the formal inception of democracy in Bhutan. Bhutan thereby, witnessed two successful parliamentary elections in 2008 and 2013 respectively. Yet again Bhutan is preparing for the third round of democratic elections in 2018. Besides parliamentary elections, local government has given equity of representation despite gender. However, in the mere past decade, women has least representation be it in parliament or in local government. Compared to the first parliamentary election the number of women in politics decreased in 2013 election. Yet Bhutan has its first woman representative in cabinet (first woman minister) and two women local leaders elect in second local government election in 2016. Perhaps women has taken over various leadership positions in diverse capacities in Bhutan and at various international level. Albeit, the women leadership do not proportionate to that of their male counterparts, yet even in small proportions, women in Bhutan has tremendous contributions in strengthening democracy, good governance, decision making and nation building activities.

Generally the principle of democratic institution mandates equal representation despite differential in races, ethnicity, gender and religion, as democracy is people’s formed government. Notwithstanding, the unequal representation in democracies across the globe and in particular, the Bhutanese democracy is an emerging concern. As Bhutan embark and prepares for the third round of parliamentary election, it is likely to outnumber the women participation. Generally the formation of two new political parties in addition to existing five political parties are expected to have good proportions of men as well as women representation. Bhutan as a young and growing democracy, require remarkable efforts from women in making policy decisions. Woman can be the best person in understanding the issues relating themselves and children. Although the country’s demography represents 50% women population yet it is absurd to have diminutive women leaders in the country. Furthermore, the adequate women leaders in parliament or cabinet can only achieve equal representation and healthy democracy.

Women also have overwhelming roles in the pursuit of good governance. Women leaders will ensure laws and policies to be in line with the ground realities of not just men but also women and children. Some of the policies such as Domestic Violence Bill, setting the legal age for consensual sex, punishment for rape, Tobacco Act, Youth policies, Education policies, Health policies could be effective and comprehensive with more women leaders and politicians. In Bhutan, women exhibit significant roles as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. Besides numerous positive qualities women are considered to be best nurturers, best advisers, best homemakers and source of great love and inspiration. The integrating of such positive qualities at national leadership level would further strengthen the vibrancy and diversity of our young democracy. Thus it has been vital to include women in leadership positions.

Gender equality is not a big issue in Bhutan but traditional and social norms inhibit women to come forth in any leadership positions. In addition, lack of support from their spouses and lack of qualifications also greatly hinder women’s participation in politics.  Perhaps quota system and seat reservation for women in any political parties seem a way to encourage women but it is not so applicable in Bhutanese context as of now with a small constituency representation of just about 47 seats. On the other hand, the ah-hoc enforcement of such system may likely bring several grievances, which I need not mention necessarily. Rather it’s up to each and every Bhutanese citizens to think upon about such system.  

Meanwhile as the 2018 democratic election draws closer, I expect more women candidature in political parties to compete equally with the men aspirants, to bring about better systems in growing democracy of Bhutan.

thank you!