Bhutan is aiming to eliminate gender-based violence in the next three years. For this, the national strategy, which was launched on Saturday, aims to address the root causes of the issue, strengthen support systems for survivors, and create a more equitable society. Gender-based violence is any act of violence that is directed against an individual based on their gender identity or perceived gender.
The National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experiences 2017 revealed that nearly one in three women had experienced some form of violence against them in the past 12 months before the survey was conducted.
Moreover, almost 23 per cent of them reported that the violence impacted their health and wellbeing.
The survey also highlighted that in Bhutan, gender-based violence is largely influenced by traditional gender roles and cultural attitudes that tolerate violence.
Though the study revealed that about 65 per cent of women believe that there is gender equality in the country, over half of them think that a man is justified in hitting his wife in some situations.
Likewise, it was found that over 44 per cent of women had experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, whether physical, sexual, psychological, or economic.
The strategy identifies several gaps and issues in addressing gender-based violence in Bhutan such as gaps in the accessibility and quality of services, especially in rural areas with most of the service centres located in urban areas.
Additionally, the survey also highlights that there is limited information and data systems on gender-based violence in the country. The lack of standardised data collection across service providers and agencies was also found to be making it hard to gather accurate data on gender-based violence for decision-making.
Considering these issues, the “National Strategy and Framework of Action on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, 2024-2028” aims to eliminate gender-based violence in the country. It outlines a multi-faceted approach encompassing primary prevention, survivor support, legal reforms, and data-driven action.
Through the strategy, Bhutan will focus on strengthening inclusive services to ensure accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive response services for all survivors of gender-based violence.
This includes improving empowerment and livelihood programmes for the survivors and enhancing institutional capacities for service providers to offer timely and inclusive support.
Additionally, the country aims to strengthen gender-based violence data collection and analysis across the key agencies.
Moreover, the country also aims to achieve a cultural and societal shift towards zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harmful practices through education, awareness, and community engagement.
This strategy was initiated by the National Commission for Women and Children with support from the United Nations in Bhutan.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Kipchu
