Economic violence which often leads to other forms of violence such as physical, psychological and sexual violence is more prevalent among women aged 20 to 24 in the country. This is according to the health ministry’s fifth edition of the National Health Survey released recently. The survey found that about 11 per cent of women in the country are experiencing economic violence from their partners. The United Nations defines economic violence as a form of control or abuse where a girl or woman is denied access to financial independence.
The National Health Survey conducted a nationwide survey of women aged 15 to 65 to assess various forms of economic violence. More than 20,000 women were surveyed.
The survey inquired whether their partners had ever restricted them from getting a job or earning money, taken their earnings or properties without their consent, or refused to provide money for household expenses despite having sufficient funds for other purposes.
The survey revealed that the most prevalent form of economic abuse was prohibiting women from getting a job or earning money, with over seven per cent of the respondents experiencing this form of abuse at some point in their lives.
The prevalence of economic violence was highest among females aged 20 to 24 at 8.7 per cent.
The survey also revealed that economic violence was higher among those who had lower secondary education compared to those with tertiary education.
According to RENEW, a civil society organisation, economic violence impacts mental well-being.
“The survivor loses confidence and when you lose your confidence; when does it happen? When your self-esteem is low, when is your self-esteem low? When your self-concept is low. So, it changes the whole personality. You may be a bright intelligent person but when you undergo violence of any form you know then it totally changes you. Some people may even undergo depression,” said Tshering Dolkar, Executive Director of RENEW.
She added that women or men usually stay in an abusive relationship when they are financially dependent on their partner due to economic violence.
Therefore, she emphasised the need to advocate such kinds of violence for the survivors to understand their rights.
However, most of the people BBS talked to were not aware of the economic violence. After explaining what economic violence is, they had mixed reactions.
Pema Samdrup, a resident said “From what I have seen, the wife works hard and brings in money during the day, but at night, the husband uses the money for parties and karaoke. I have seen it two or three times. ”
Dechen Dorji, another resident said “I have never seen someone like a girl experiencing economic violence. For example, I have never seen my parents arguing whether my father is earning and my mother is not earning. So from my perspective, I have never seen a woman experiencing economic violence in our community.”
Bindeya Yakha, who is also a resident said “Economic violence exists in Bhutan, especially on women. I believe that many are facing this problem, but the only thing is that they are not able to come up with this kind of problem to show the problem to the people.”
RENEW highlighted that in order to encourage women to leave their abusive relationships, the organization provides training to women such as tailoring, weaving and entrepreneurship so that the survivors can gain a financial foothold.
According to the United Nations, one in three women have been subjected to some form of violence such as physical, sexual, psychological or economic at least once in their life.
If you or any of your friends are experiencing any form of violence including economic violence, contact RENEW office or contact the National Commission for Women and Children through their toll-free helpline at 1098.
Singye Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
