Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck addressed to more than 600 youth and students of 5 schools in Punakha on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights yesterday.
During the event, The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNPFA) Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem also accompanied Her Majesty and spoke on areas touching reproductive health, sexuality and gender-based violence.
Speaking to the youth and students Her Majesty shared her concerns on youth-related issues driven by rapid development and exposure to social media. Her Majesty spoke about the pertaining youth issues and its consequences in the long run:
“An official report shows a rise in substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, crime violence, sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. All of which are preventable. We have also been increasingly witnessing an unhealthy trend in the form of suicide and attempted suicide among our youth and young adults. This is not only alarming but very saddening because the loss of precious lives could have been prevented. I am very concerned because these problems affecting your physical, mental and overall wellbeing are growing at the scale every year and disrupting the lives of many young people in our country.”
Her Majesty also advised and encouraged the youth to make the right choices in life to grow into healthy and confident adults. Teachers were also encouraged to give proper guidance to shape the future of youths during the address:
“It is important for all of you to see factual information so that you can make positive choices in your life. I encourage you to talk to your health service providers or other networks like the Y-peer who serve youth. Their services can be accessed within your schools or in your communities.
“I urge you all teachers to pay stronger emphasis to life skills education so that your students can grow into well adjusted and confident adults who can contribute to the growth and development of their communities and nation. Each one of you must remember and know for certain that support and understanding are there for you from your parents, teachers, friends, health care providers and other trusted adults in your own communities.”
Her Majesty urged all the youth to come forward, seek help and advice from relevant people during times of need and not suffer alone:
“If any of you are in a situation that is disturbing or distressing, I encourage you to reach out and speak to a trusted adult. Suffering in silence cannot be an option. As I conclude, I want you to know that each one of you is very special and valuable and has a vital role to play in the advancement of your nation. You are the future of this country.”
During the event, Dr Kanem urged the youth to pay attention to what happens around and in the world. She also shared the visions of UNFPA to the youth.
“It has been said that “Youth is like the rising sun”, and when I see the bright young people here today, brimming with potential, I have no doubt that Bhutan’s future is very bright indeed. Humankind, in all its diversity, is one family. At UNFPA we want to transform the lives of the most disadvantaged members of our human family, particularly women, girls and young people who are furthest behind. We believe this is the key to transforming our world. We have set our sights on achieving three transformative results by 2030. Zero unmet demand for contraception, zero preventable maternal deaths and zero gender-based violence,” said Dr Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director for UNFPA.
A skit titled “Many Broken Lives” highlighting everyday challenges faced by young people in Bhutan was demonstrated by the students of Ugyen Academy. The event concluded with the exchange of valuable conversation with the students through question and answers session.
The event was organised by RENEW, an organisation that advocates for sexual reproductive health rights and addresses gender-based violence in the country.
Tshering Dendup
