Bhutan’s Gender and Sports Committee under the Bhutan Olympic Committee has taken its first initiative to empower women through sports. The committee, formed in 2014, is giving three-day leadership training to 40 women in Thimphu. They are athletes, coaches, and sports administration, among others. The training began yesterday.
Professional communications coach from Switzerland, Gabriela Muller Mendoza said the training is to bring about principles of equality among men and women in sports.
She said presence of women makes a difference in progress in any area, be it sports, education, and business, among others. “…so we need more women to take up leadership and be present in sports in Bhutan and that will have a positive impact in the communities.”
The participants said it is encouraging to see many women come forward to lead.
A teacher from Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, Tashi Choden said she had attended a similar seminar 20 years ago and she was disappointed to see only about three women participants. “But today, I am overjoyed to see many women participating. I hope the decision makers would support and encourage these young talented ones.”
The Gender and Sports Committee also expects to develop a strategic plan based on the findings of the training.
