PEMA TSHOMO
Thimphu
In the fight for gender equality in Bhutan, a glimmer of hope emerges. Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, the Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), joins forces with local advocates to Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW) to tackle Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) and empower communities. This collaboration transcends geographical borders, weaving a powerful narrative of collective action against a deeply entrenched social issue.
The event, graced by Her Majesty The Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, served as a platform to raise awareness about SGBV and acknowledge the work of activists in the region on March 8, along with the celebration of International Women’s Day.
A recent visit of the Director General to Bhutan shed light on the crucial role civil society organizations (CSOs) play in achieving gender equality and combating SGBV. Dr. Bermejo’s visit coincided with International Women’s Day, a powerful backdrop for highlighting the work of RENEW, IPPF’s associate partner in Bhutan, and the inspiring stories of South Asian activists working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence.
RENEW stands as a testament to the power of CSOs. Founded on the principle of empowering women, RENEW provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. These services include counseling, legal aid, shelter, advocacy, and crucial awareness campaigns. Dr. Bermejo acknowledged RENEW’s 16-year legacy of understanding the nature and causes of SGBV while highlighting the ongoing challenge.
Statistics from the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in 2017 revealed that over 40 percent of women who experienced partner violence never shared their experiences, emphasizing the need for increased support and a shift in societal norms. Dr. Bermejo emphasized the importance of “prioritizing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and efforts to combat SGBV down to the local government bodies and officials,” urging for greater interagency collaboration to tackle this complex issue effectively.
Beyond national borders, IPPF’s commitment to dismantling SGBV extends across South Asia. They even give out awards to exemplify this dedication. The initiative recognizes and empowers community champions working on the frontlines against SGBV.
“These champions, representing diverse backgrounds like those facing caste-based gender violence, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning, Asexual (LGBTIQ+) community, and women with disabilities, serve as role models and ignite a culture of speaking out. Bhutan’s selection as the launchpad for this initiative is no coincidence,” he highlighted. The country’s progressive approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), evident in its universal healthcare system, positions it as a potential case study for IPPF and its member associations.
IPPF is actively engaged in Bhutan through our associate partner, RENEW. Dr. Alvaro Bermejo expressed, “Our efforts aim to advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive gender policy in Bhutan, urging the government to amplify its investment towards realizing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5: Gender Equality). We are committed to enhancing the execution of the 13th Five-Year Plan and bolstering the capabilities of grassroots service providers.”
“Additionally, we are dedicated to reinforcing the 10 community service centers operated by RENEW, which provide essential support to survivors and their children,” he added. This commitment extends to strengthening the capabilities of grassroots service providers and community service centers.
Dr. Alvaro Bermejo even highlighted, “Through our Associate Partner, RENEW, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Health, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other Civil Society Organizations (CSO) like Lhak-Sam to address the needs of women in all their diversities. Our focus is on enhancing the community-led and highly effective MSTF-CBSS model.”
He said that with collaboration, they aim to confront country-level challenges and emerging SRH needs. Where their collective efforts are geared towards fostering a deeper comprehension of quality SRHR, they place choice at its core.
Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), visited Bhutan from March 6th to 10th, 2024, to meet with key stakeholders and highlight the critical issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the country. His visit coincided with International Women’s Day, where he participated in an event hosted by RENEW, IPPF’s Associate Partner in Bhutan.
However, the fight for gender equality demands a multi-faceted approach. Research conducted by IPPF and RENEW highlights the importance of involving men and boys in addressing SGBV and domestic violence alongside broader SRHR challenges. By shifting societal norms and promoting healthy relationships, a more inclusive approach can pave the way for a safer and more equitable Bhutan.
The Director-General Bermejo expressed, “In our exploration of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues, we’ve observed that while each country has its distinct context, certain strategies have proven effective universally. These include initiatives such as pinpointing the root causes of rising teenage pregnancies, expanding the array of contraceptive options, and preventing unintended pregnancies.”
He added, “Furthermore, our research on social and gender norms has underscored the vital importance of involving men and boys in addressing Gender-based Violence and Domestic Violence (GBV-DV) alongside other SRHR challenges in Bhutan.”
Dr. Bermejo’s visit to Bhutan served as a powerful reminder that achieving gender equality requires a united front. Civil society organizations like RENEW play a critical role in empowering individuals, raising awareness, and advocating for change. Combined with IPPF’s global reach and commitment to dismantling SGBV, a will of hope shines brightly in Bhutan, illuminating the path towards a future where all individuals can enjoy their sexual and reproductive rights, free from violence and discrimination.
