Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the International Women’s Day celebrations at the Gyalpozhing College of Information and Technology in the capital, today. Every year 8th of March is celebrated worldwide as International Women’s Day to commemorate the achievements and contributions of women.
This year’s United Nations theme for International Women’s Day is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” while the global theme is “Inspire Inclusion.”
The UN theme underscores the pivotal role women play in propelling societal advancement.
At the International Women’s Day celebrations in Kabesa, Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck also marked her 25th year as the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund.
It also marked the 20th year since the establishment of RENEW. Her Majesty also unveiled RENEW’s 20th anniversary logo.
During the event, six individuals from six South Asian countries were presented with the ‘Got to Break Free’ award.
“The ‘Got to Break Free’ award is a new award that we have established to recognise activists that have done excellent work to reduce or respond to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. It recognises the contribution they have made to their countries. We hope that this award will give them the possibility and motivation to do even more,” said Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director General of the International Planned Partnerhood Federation
The event was jointly organised by RENEW and the National Commission for Women and Children.
Meanwhile, in Punakha, the day was marked by female students and staff of the Ugyen Academy engaging in a football match.
The Bhutan Football Federation organised the match to use it as a catalyst to create equal space for girls and women to actively participate in sports.
Officials from the Bhutan Football Federation say sports allow girls to feel empowered and safe within their environment.
Changa Dorji & Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sherub Dorji
