While progress has been made towards eliminating gender disparity, much remains to be done. Speaking at the UN commemoration event for International Women’s Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that eradicating extreme poverty for women and girls would take another 130 years. Here in Bhutan, marking the day in Phuentshogling, participants called for urgent and sustained action to accelerate gender equality.
With efforts taken towards eliminating gender disparity, women have broken barriers to come out, reducing disparity. However, the UN Secretary-General said these hard-fought gains remain fragile and far from enough.
Marking the day with support from UNFPA, the faculty and students of Arura Academy of Health Sciences, officials from hospitals and relevant agencies highlighted the importance of women’s health, empowerment and social progress. The executive director of the academy said that despite Bhutanese women making remarkable strides in leadership, business and advocacy, the fight for true gender equality continues.
“This year’s theme is to Accelerate Action, meaning we cannot wait for these many years. Maybe we can wait for 130 days but not years for gender balance,” said Dorji Dhradhul, the Executive Director of the Arura Academy of Health Sciences, Phuentshogling.
“As a matter of fact, all women in this room evidently prove the equality of women in Bhutan. However, the situation does not rule out the need for accelerated action for achieving gender equality as there are still women in Bhutan who are not privileged and fortunate as all other women who are celebrating this event,” said Pema, the Executive Secretary, Phuentshogling Thromde (ENG)
Participants also said that much more needs to be done and not to wait for many years to bring gender equality.
“Everyone should take action immediately so that it would not take that long to achieve gender equality. It is high time that policymakers and decision-makers put in action and do something about it,” said Sonam Zangmo, a teacher at the Arura Academy of Health Sciences.
“Researchers have said that it would take about five generations to achieve gender equality. I feel every one of us, including the lawmakers, should come together to achieve it as soon as possible and not wait that long,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Arura Academy of Health Sciences.
At the UN commemoration event for International Women’s Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said, “We must never accept a world where women and girls live in fear, where their safety is a privilege rather than a non-negotiable right.” He has also said that when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.
In Phuentshogling, the message was clear: equality cannot wait. With determination and collective action, participants pledged to push for real change because they believe that a future of true gender balance must begin today.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Kipchu
