There is an urgent need to educate and empower children and youth on sexual and reproductive health and rights against the increasing number of child sexual abuse in the country. According to Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), a Civil Society Organisation, more than 500 rape cases were registered from 2009 to 2020. Of which 70 per cent of them were children.
This was highlighted during a youth conclave held at Royal Thimphu College yesterday.
As per RENEW, about four women and children were sexually assaulted every month from 2009 to 2020. The meeting emphasised the importance of educating, empowering, and equipping youth with vital life skills and human rights to be able to deal with challenges such as
“Education and awareness are very important. We have to equip our children with knowledge and skills to respond to this kind of violence. If they want to say no, they should be able to say no. If something happens to them they should be able to report it immediately and share their problems with adults so that they get immediate support. Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights till now have been a taboo sort of thing in some communities and for some, it’s so embarrassing,” said Meenakshi Rai, Program and Service Director of RENEW.
The forum also shed light on the increasing number of teenage pregnancies and domestic violence during the nationwide lockdowns. The cases increased by more than 50 per cent during the lockdown.
“While generating content for the advocacy campaign we found there is an increasing case of teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, particularly during the lockdown. It is very important for youth to not be only aware and also talk about these issues. Take it to the policymakers so that we can figure out the solution for this,” said Dr Pallavi Majumdar, Professor of RTC.
“Parliament has been very firm in ensuring that we have a proper legislative system to ensure that our vulnerable section of the society, women, and children are safe from any abuse and harassment,” said Ugyen Namgay, Member of Parliament, National Council.
The meeting highlighted that improved and enhanced awareness can greatly assist in preventing child sexual abuse and rape in the country.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Sonam Pem
