Thimphu

Gateway to Inclusive Governance

Bhutan is paving the way for a more inclusive future where women’s voices are heard and valued at every level of governance.

By Sara Danial | January 2025


Bhutan is taking significant steps to change the narrative in a country where women’s political participation has historically lagged behind. The initiative “Enhancing Women’s Representation in Local Government,” launched ahead of the 3rd Local Government (LG) Elections, marks a bold effort to address gender disparity in political leadership. Supported by the European Union (EU) and designed in collaboration with civil society groups, the program is a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable representation in governance.

Bhutan’s political landscape has long been male-dominated, particularly at the local governance level. As of recent statistics, only two women serve as Gups (elected county leaders) out of 205 positions nationwide. Similarly, there are just 24 women among the 205 Mangmis (elected deputy county leaders). These figures highlight women’s systemic challenges in accessing leadership roles, from entrenched cultural norms to limited access to resources and networks.

This gender imbalance reflects a lack of representation and hinders the broader goal of inclusive governance. Women’s voices bring unique perspectives to policy-making, particularly on healthcare, education, and community welfare, where their experiences are often directly relevant. The initiative to enhance women’s representation is a critical step toward a more balanced and representative local governance system.

The “Enhancing Women’s Representation in Local Government” initiative was designed with clear, actionable goals to overcome the barriers preventing women from participating in local governance. The primary objectives include:

Educating communities about the importance of women’s participation in governance and breaking down stereotypes that confine women to traditional roles.

Providing potential women candidates with leadership training, public speaking skills, and a deeper understanding of governance structures.

Establishing mentorship programs and support groups to guide and encourage women aspirants throughout the electoral process.

Partnering with local organizations to foster grassroots movements, advocating gender equality in politics.

The initiative adopted a multi-pronged approach to address the deeply rooted barriers women face. Key strategies included workshops and awareness programs conducted in rural areas to challenge stereotypes and encourage families to support women candidates. These sessions emphasized the benefits of diverse leadership and the positive impact of women leaders on community welfare.

Aspiring women leaders received targeted training to enhance their leadership abilities, communication skills, and understanding of electoral processes. These programs aimed to boost confidence and equip participants to navigate the challenges of campaigning.

Local media outlets played a significant role in highlighting the stories of women leaders and creating visibility for their contributions. This helped inspire other women to step forward and consider leadership roles.

The initiative worked with policymakers to address systemic issues, such as the lack of childcare facilities, which disproportionately affect women’s ability to engage in public life.

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