Monthly Archives: December, 0

There are various misconceptions and taboos related to menstruation still widespread in Bhutan. Such beliefs are that women shouldn’t enter temples during menstruation, and even drying reusable pads is considered shameful among young girls and women. Experts say such misconceptions could have an adverse effect on their personal and social lives.  

From rugs to sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups, women's menstrual hygiene has come a long way. Women and girls in the country now have better access to hygienic products. Nonetheless, there is still a section of women and girls in rural areas for whom access to these products is still a challenge.

With changing times, as more Bhutanese accept and are more open about menstruation, the access to menstrual hygiene products has improved. And if figures are any indication, Bhutan has come a long way. As per the Trade Statistics, the country imported around 800,000 sanitary products last year – an increase of more than 12 times compared to a decade ago. 

With an increasing number of people in Bhutan aware of concerns regarding menstruation, they are also becoming supportive of menstrual needs and care. However, much has been assumed about menstruation pain and its symptoms. But as the country heightens its advocacy, women now feel the need for paid leave, a time off from work during the period.

Menopause is a natural life event that every woman experiences. It is a time that marks the permanent end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. And during this transition, women go through emotional, mental, physical and social changes impacting their daily lives.

The year 2020 shall be remembered for the many changes that forced thinkers, planners, leaders and doers around the world who had to make their call. Teachers in Bhutan formed a group called VTOB or Teachers of Bhutan Volunteers who initiated to provide continued education during the school closure. This year the founder of the group gave up his regular teaching job to turn VTOB into a Foundation.

Bhutan This Week-- a look back into the week's top news stories from across the Kingdom. Watch Bhutan This Week on Saturday at @10:30 pm

The Mangmi of Wangphu Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar was terminated from his office earlier this week after the Larger Bench of the High Court ordered his termination within two months from the day of the judgment on April 5. He was found to be holding a contractor license in his name. According to the Election Act, no person seeking election as a Local Government shall, at the time of filing his/her nomination as candidate for such election, be the holder of any office of profit, nor shall such person, if elected, hold any office of profit so long as he/she continues as a Local Government member.

His Majesty The King graced the Opening Ceremony of the 5th Session of the Third Parliament this morning. The opening session was also graced by the Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Her Royal Highness Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck and His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck.

After two weeks of lockdown, the inter-gewog movement of people resumed in Samtse today. The relaxations come after mass screening in Tashichhoeling Gewog and Samtse town recently found no community cases of COVID-19.