While the fight against the coronavirus pandemic is proving successful, the country is witnessing the rise of another pandemic; the gender-based violence (GBV). The Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) recorded a drastic rise in GBV this year. Data with RENEW shows an increase of GBV by 36.6 per cent compared to last year.
Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women today, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck in her national virtual address said gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread violations of human rights across the world.
Her Majesty shared concerns about the rise in GBV as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RENEW recorded more than 700 cases of GBV this year so far. Last year, RENEW recorded over 500 cases.
According to the Executive Director of RENEW, the perpetrators are someone close to them, someone economically and physically more powerful and stronger. She said, women, girls and children are most vulnerable to GBV.
“Lockdown means you are spending 24 hours within confined walls of your home. The reason could be many folds and it may be due to frustrations, poverty, loss of jobs, stress and especially those perpetrators who have been abusing women and girls, they are living together with the victims,” said Tshering Dolkar, Executive Director of RENEW.
She said the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is all about addressing to prevent GBV as well as to respond to the victims with proper services. A film on GBV was also launched today.
The day was marked in all the districts by Community based support system (CBSS) of RENEW.
Kinley Dem
Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, National Virtual Address
