Bhutan

Gender Equality and the Empowerment Of Women

The first baseline study on gender conducted in 2001 with support from UNDP and other UN agencies revealed that although Bhutan enjoyed a generally high level of gender equality in comparison to its neighboring countries, more subtle and indirect forms of gender bias did exist. The study also highlighted gender gaps in key areas such as education, national economy and political participation.

The Royal Government has considered the theme of women in development as an integral part of the country's tenth five year plan (2008-2013) by ensuring equal opportunities to men and women. Reflecting the high priority it places on maintaining gender balance and equality, Bhutan is party to various international social conventions that reaffirm the fundamental principles of gender equality.

UNDP supported the development of the 'National Plan of Action for Gender 2008-2013' to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. 'UNDP has supported series of activities aimed at enhancing capacity of its national counterparts in gender mainstreaming mainly partnering with the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) while at the same time supporting RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) in its objectives to prevent violence against women.

The gender mainstreaming capacity within the UNDP Country Office has been going on since 2005. Today, UNDP is a key partner of the Royal Government in helping promote gender equality and empowerment of women through various interventions under its following projects:

Ongoing Projects

• Women's Empowerment through involvement of men and CSS
• Enabling Environment for Child Protection and Women's Empowerment
• Gender Mainstreaming and Women's Empowerment in Bhutan