The debate and discussion on poor women representation in politics continues. Drafting a legislation designed to enhance women representation is one of commitments of the current government.
A two-day national consultation conference on Women in Politics opened in Thimphu, today. Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the opening.
Women representation in the parliament took a downturn. From 10 women Members of Parliament in 2008, the 2013 elections saw only six women.
The situation is no better in the local government, with only 110 women representatives out more than 1,000 elected local representatives.
A study conducted by the NCWC cited gender stereotypes, domestic obligations and low self-esteem as among the 10 major reasons holding back women from stepping forward to take part in politics.
Panelists at the first day of the national consultation on women in politics highlighted mindset, traditions and culture that influence women’s participation.
Education and exposure were pointed out as crucial to break the social, economic and political barriers that prevent or discourage women from taking part in politics. The importance of creating an enabling factor to enable women to contest in elections was also highlighted.
Organisers, the Bhutan Network for Empowerment of Women (BNEW) and National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), say the conference is to allow stakeholders discuss why only a handful of women take part in politics and come up with options for that would enhance women participation in politics.
“Our hope is that a task force to be formed at the end of the conference, we will be working on drafting Terma Linca statement for women in politics in Bhutan, which will basically be a guiding note for NCWC and BNEW…” said BNEW’s Coordinator, Phuntshok Choden.
She added the conference will also see discussion on the best practices elsewhere on quota legislation on women involvement in politics.
Serving women MPs and other women who contested in the 2013 elections also shared their experiences.
Tomorrow, the conference will see discussions on quota legislation and options for Bhutan and way forward to have more women participation in Politics.
