Gender equality in the country is visibly uplifted, yet women in politics are marginally low compared to men. The trend is exhibited since the beginning, where democracy clubs in the schools, attract limited female participation.
“It is almost five years since our school started the democracy club. Since then we observed it is boys that are actively taking part in the club. Every year we have less number of girls enrolling in the club. In the future, if today’s students take part in politics they would be prepared from the club activities. Therefore I believe it is important for all to take part,” said Tshewang Lhamo, a Teacher for Gaupey Lower Secondary School. Paro.
The Election Commission of Bhutan is aware of the trend and action to address it at the earliest are in swing.
“Comparatively, if we look at the past elections and now, participation by the women in politics is changing. So we have discussed thoroughly how to encourage mass participation from the democracy club and promote our kids. Meanwhile, the number of democracy clubs in schools is increasing. It is significant. We would like to thus urge the viewers and schools especially to come forward where we can support and fulfil our objective,” added Sonam Tobgyal, Head of Election Department, ECB.
The election commission is making moves to encourage mass participation in the democracy since the school days to address the issue. Democracy club in schools started over 17 years ago, has even ferried well so far. Ministry of Education in one of its survey found that schools that have democracy clubs understand much better about democracy perception compared to schools which don’t have the democracy clubs. Therefore the Election Commission in collaboration with the education sector is encouraging the schools to institute the club.
Initially, in 2013 there were only 154 schools that have the club and today there are 241 schools. Students today learn aspects of democracy as early as class 7 and 8 through civics such as fundamental rights and duties. However, the number of girl’s participation in the democracy clubs were observed very less. The club coordinators in the two-day capacity building workshop organized by Election commission shared, earlier this month in Tsirang.
“To make our democracy vibrant we must put foundations in the students from the earliest, these club activities in the schools have really benefited the students to understand the process. In the early days to elect a class captain, it depends on the teachers. But now with democratic process and activities, unexpected students also come forward to take part. It has benefited the students immensely,” said Thukten Tenzin, Teacher of Chapcha Middle Secondary School, Chukha.
In the pipeline, the election commission is planning to organize a democracy meet post this summer. The meet is expected to enhance the democratic experience in the school levels and National level at large.
