Articles about Bhutan

Bhutan: International Women’s Day 2026 will be observed in Haa Dzongkhag under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”, as part of a high-level advocacy initiative led by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck to promote gender equality, strengthen access to justice, and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Bhutan. The event will be coordinated by RENEW, IPPF’s Associate Member in Bhutan, in partnership with the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), the Ministry of Health (MoH) and UNFPA. For more than 27 years, Her Majesty has led nationwide advocacy efforts addressing issues such as safe motherhood, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and the prevention of gender-based violence. These efforts have contributed to important progress in Bhutan’s approach to sexual and reproductive health and gender equality. Bhutan has also made notable advancements in maternal and child health and in strengthening the legal and policy environment supporting women and girls. However, challenges remain. According to Bhutan’s National Health Survey 2023, 25% of partnered women in Bhutan have experienced one or more forms of violence, while 44% of women and girls agree that a husband may be justified in hitting his wife under certain circumstances. These findings highlight the urgent need to address harmful social norms and strengthen systems that protect women and girls. RENEW is dedicated to the empowerment of women and children in Bhutan and to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), with particular attention to survivors of domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence. Over the years, RENEW has evolved from its founding focus on addressing sexual and gender-based violence into an organization that serves women in all their diversity, including those often left behind. As part of this broader commitment, RENEW is also intensifying efforts to address the need for stronger support systems and services to prevent unintended teenage pregnancies in Bhutan. This includes strengthening comprehensive sexuality education, expanding access to adolescent and youth-friendly services, and engaging communities to support informed decision-making among young people. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that young people—especially girls and young women—have access to accurate information, adequate support, and essential health services, enabling them to make informed choices and lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.

Bhutan has made meaningful strides toward LGBTI+ inclusion in recent years. The introduction of the National Gender Equality Policy in 2020 laid down an important foundation by recognizing the need to “address gender issues” faced by women and gender-diverse communities. The decriminalization of homosexuality in 2021 further enabled LGBTI+ individuals in the country to build community and advocate for their rights. While legal protections remain limited, growing grassroots efforts and shifting public attitudes are steadily laying the foundation for a more inclusive future.   At the forefront of this progress stands Respect Educate Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), Bhutan’s pioneering civil society organization committed to protecting the sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls and other vulnerable groups, with a focus on providing comprehensive support services to the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Since its inception, RENEW, IPPF’s Associate Member in Bhutan, has played a pivotal role in advocating for legal reforms, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and inclusive health services in the country. In collaboration with Bhutan’s two LGBTI+ networks, national partners, and international allies, RENEW worked to advance the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country.   The Rainbow Help Desk: A Milestone for LGBTI+ Inclusion in Bhutan  While Bhutan’s legal reforms signal progress, the LGBTI+ community still lacks access to inclusive, stigma-free sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Members of the men who have sex with men (MSM) and the transgender communities find it hard to avail affordable hormonal therapy and gender-affirmative cosmetic services in the country. Most procure cheap medicines from across the borders without proper medical prescriptions. To address this lack of dedicated and tailored services to the LGBTI+ community, RENEW launched the Rainbow Help Desk in December 2024, in collaboration with Pride Bhutan and Queer Voices of Bhutan, at its head office in Thimphu. The Rainbow Help Desk is the first-of-its-kind help desk dedicated to providing stigma-free, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health support to the LGBTI+ community, including SGBV support services.

Sexual and gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including domestic violence (DV), has long been a pervasive issue in Bhutan, cutting across communities and deeply affecting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of survivors. According to Bhutan’s National Commission for Women and Children, an average of five women and children suffer abuse every day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reported cases surged by 53% in 2020, as documented by RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women), our Associate Member in Bhutan.  This crisis, however, goes beyond protection and justice. Survivors of violence often carry invisible wounds: trauma, anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of self-worth. Without addressing these wounds, recovery is incomplete. That is why RENEW has placed mental health at the heart of its SGBV response—and, by extension, at the center of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Since its founding in 2004, RENEW has taken a holistic approach to tackling gender-based violence. Its model weaves together prevention, intervention, and reintegration—ensuring survivors are not just rescued but are also supported, empowered, and given the tools to thrive. Mental health and psychosocial support are core to this model. Free counselling services are offered nationwide, including individual, couple, and family sessions. These are not mere add-ons—they are foundational to helping survivors rebuild lives marked by trauma and disempowerment.

Thimpu, March 8: Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), graced the International Women's Day event hosted by Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) on 8 March in Thimpu. The event, observed in the esteemed presence of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan, served as a platform to raise awareness and address the pressing issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Bhutan, and the larger South Asian subcontinent. In South Asia, the prevalence of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) remains alarmingly high, with lifetime intimate partner violence rates being 35% higher than the global average. This pervasive issue is compounded by societal factors such as the socio-economic structure, power imbalances within households, and institutionalized patriarchy. Countries like Bangladesh and Nepal continue to grapple with gender-based violence, ranking as the top countries where gender-based violence is the first or second leading cause of intentional homicide. Gross human rights violations, including female feticide, honor killings, trafficking, forced sex work, and acid attacks, persist unchecked in South Asia. Additionally, everyday forms of gendered violence within the private sphere often go unnoticed, perpetuating its societal acceptance. Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, in his capacity as Director-General of IPPF, recognizes the urgent need for action to address SGBV in South Asia. “The IPPF's new strategy, "Come Together," underscores the importance of challenging social norms, providing support to marginalized communities, and advocating for policy changes to combat SGBV effectively “, he said. In Bhutan, a study by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in 2017 on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the country found that more than 40% of the 298 surveyed women who had experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner – never shared their experience with anyone. RENEW, IPPF's Associate Partner in Bhutan, stands as a champion in the fight against SGBV. Despite significant progress in enacting laws and policies related to sexual and reproductive health and gender equality, Bhutan faces challenges in implementing these measures. RENEW provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including counseling, legal aid, shelter, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. "During the last 16 years, RENEW has made numerous attempts to understand the nature and causes of GBV and has introduced a stellar community-led intervention to address these issues. However, SGBV remains a critical issue in Bhutan. We urge the government to prioritize Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and efforts to combat SGBV down to the local government bodies and officials," stated Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF. "We also seek greater interagency collaboration and coordination to effectively address this issue." As part of the effort towards destigmatising and preventing SGBV in South Asia and to directly work with the most vulnerable communities, IPPF South Asia Region’s #GotToBreakFree Awards aim to shed light on often-invisible survivors from key intersections, including those facing caste-based gender violence, the LGBTI+ community, women in sex work, women with disabilities, and undocumented migrants. By recognizing their contributions, the initiative seeks to build a cadre of community champions and encourage a culture of speaking out against SGBV. During the International Women's Day Celebrations, Dr. Alvaro announced the names of six #GotToBreakFree champions selected from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “These champions will receive support from IPPF to advance their work in preventing SGBV within their communities and countries. Additionally, they will mentor youth volunteers from the South Asia Regional Youth Network to address harmful narratives and destigmatise SGBV in the region effectively”, said Dr. Bermejo.  For further information, please contact Kuenga lhaden at [email protected] and Madhurima Mallik at [email protected]  About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.

Established in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) became an Associate Member Association of IPPF in November 2009. It aims to be the leading organization in shaping the future role of women in Bhutanese Society, helping to reduce vulnerabilities while nurturing and empowering them. Their work is focused on reaching poor, disadvantaged and adolescent girls and women. RENEW has a widespread community-based support (CBS) system (established in 20 districts), and a community outreach programme run from the RENEW centre. Work focuses on sensitization with regard to HIV and AIDS, education in family planning approaches and contraceptive methods, and enhancing the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. A clear problem in Bhutan is the unequal position of women. One of the expressions of gender inequality is high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) which is seen as a natural part of married life, and not as an issue. RENEW has a vigorous education programme designed to reverse such attitudes. Bhutan is a unique country: all development is based on promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH), and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, acceptance of every individual’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the practical realization of those rights are regarded as critical components in increasing GNH. Given this political context, RENEW has ambitious targets. Although it has only been established for 10 years, it is making remarkable strides towards the achievement of better SRH and SRHR outcomes for the nation and its people. USPs of RENEW: Pioneering: First and only Civil Society Organisation to work in women and child rights, gender equality and promotion of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), with special focus on domestic violence (DV) and Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Holistic Approach: Specialized Counselling services,  Shelter services, Special focus on women’s  livelihood skills &financial  empowerment, SGBV reduction and legal aid as a pathway to reduced harm complement traditional SRHR programming approaches. Working at Scale: Deep governmental linkages because of royal patronage, which enables the institutionalisation of RENEW’s mission within the government to a large extent. Youth & Community-led: Employs structures like a trained nation-wide community-led and youth volunteer network - Community Based Support System (CBSS); and the Druk Adolescent Initiative for Sexual Awareness Network (DAISAN). These networks aid the advocacy programs and SRHR work in communities, schools, and other institutions throughout the country. Agile: Demonstrated resilience as an organisation in an environment that is challenging for CSOs which is a promise for sustainability.