The third Local Government election not only saw an increase in female voters but the number of women candidates winning various positions also saw a huge margin compared to past elections. For the first time, Monggar elected two women as gups. Both are university graduates.
Ugyen Yangzom, a 30-year-old Taktse College graduate is the new Gup-elect of Ngatshang Gewog. A teacher-turned gup said with male dominance in the leadership positions, she didn’t expect people to choose her over her male counterpart.
“In general, the election trend is such that women candidates hardly garner support from the public despite having good experience and qualifications,” she said.
However, for the first time, Ngatshang has reversed the trend by choosing a woman as their leader. Ugyen said this will set a new precedent in her gewog. The new Gup-elect will prioritise construction and maintenance of the road during her tenure.
“After assuming the post, I will prioritize construction and maintenance of farm roads,” she said.
Similarly, unlike the 2016 election, 32-year-old Dechen Zangmo from Narang reversed her fate this time by winning the hearts of her constituents.
“I contested the election in 2016 but I lost. So, I re-contested this time as His Majesty The King always emphasizes that the future of the nation lies in the hands of our youth,” she said.
A mother of one and a graduate of Sherubtse College, Dechen worked in private companies and also ran a business. And now as a gup, she aspires to use her knowledge and experiences for the gewog’s economic growth.
“I will focus on improving the livelihoods of my people and in promoting the economic development of the gewog. I will also work on promoting the culture and customs in the community.
Meanwhile, the people of the two gewogs said this will set a good trend for aspiring women to take part in such leadership positions in the future.
A resident of Ngatshang, Karma said, women coming to power at the grassroots level will inspire young girls to take such leadership roles.
Likewise, a resident of Narang, Kezang Choden said while only men used to come to power in the past, people electing women is a good sign of women empowerment.
Meanwhile, the Local Government election this time saw more than 1,400 women candidates contesting for various positions out of which 185 were elected. This includes seven gups, 22 Mangmis, 149 Tshogpas, and seven Thromde Ngotshabs.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Chayku
