Bhutan’s youth face growing job crisis in the wake of a fast-paced urban landscape
TIL BDR GHALLEY | Thimphu
In the bustling streets of Thimphu, the hum of vehicles and chatter from cafes masks a growing frustration among the city’s young women. For many, the transition from school or university to the world of work is not a celebration of achievement, but a prolonged struggle against invisible barriers.
“I graduated over a year ago,” says Sonam Yangzom, 24, with a weary smile, “and I still haven’t found a job that matches my degree. Employers tell me I lack experience. But how am I supposed to get experience if no one hires me?”
Her story is far from unique. Across urban Bhutan, young women are facing a perfect storm of unemployment, gender bias, and unmet expectations.
The Q4 Labour Force Survey of 2025, confirms what Sonam Yangzom feels every day. Urban unemployment hit 7.5 percent, more than triple the rural rate of 2.0 percent, marking the highest urban joblessness in the past two years.
Youth unemployment, defined as those aged 15 to 24, stands at 20.6 percent, and for young women in cities, it soars to 26.5 percent—a stark contrast to 15.1 percent among male youth.
In Thimphu, Phuntsholing, and Gelephu, young women like Sonam Yangzom are the most visible face of this crisis.
In rural areas, the story is different. There, unemployment remains low, never exceeding 2.4 percent, sustained by self-employment in agriculture and community enterprises.
But the same opportunities that keep rural youth employed are scarce in urban centers, where competition is fierce and pathways to employment are narrow.
Hira Devi, 22, from Gelephu, describes the frustration of repeated rejection: “I used to work part-time while studying, but now I can’t find anything. Employers say I don’t have experience, yet I can’t gain experience without a job. It feels like I’m trapped in a loop.”
Her words echo across city offices and cafés, where resumes pile up on desks while qualified young women wait, unsure of when opportunity will knock.
Survey data sheds light on the barriers these young women face. The most cited reason for unemployment is recent completion of studies, reported by 22.7 percent of job seekers.
Lack of adequate qualifications and lack of experience follow closely, affecting 21.0 percent and 17.2 percent of unemployed individuals, respectively.
Others cite voluntary resignation or qualification mismatch. For women, these barriers are amplified, intersecting with societal expectations and gendered hiring practices.
The problem is not fleeting. While 53.2 percent of unemployed individuals have been without work for less than six months, 46.8 percent have been jobless for six months or longer, and 26.6 percent have sought work for over a year.
Among young women in urban areas, long-term unemployment is common, and the psychological toll is mounting.
“I try to stay positive,” says Yakup, 24, from Chhukha, “but it’s hard. You keep applying, attending interviews, and hearing the same answer: not enough experience. Sometimes I feel invisible, like my skills don’t matter.”
Amith Gurung, 23, said that last year, he went to apply for a job at a media house. But as soon as he reached the human resource (HR) desk, the official asked if he had any work experience.
“I told her I didn’t, but mentioned that I had completed internships. She replied that they only accept candidates with experience. I felt both frustrated and disappointed,” said Amith.
He added that he came all the way from Chhukha and spent time and resources to eke out a living. But the bulky academic transcripts and rosy certificates, he said, were not even considered.
Urban youth unemployment is rising, particularly for women, while rural unemployment remains low. The divide is not merely geographic but reflects the intersection of age, gender, and economic opportunity.
Data reveal that young women in cities are navigating a labor market that undervalues their potential, even as the country invests in education and skills development.
Yet, the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is unemployed youth each navigating rejection, uncertainty, and frustration, waiting for an opportunity to prove themselves.
“This struggle isn’t limited to women alone,” said Dawa Zangmo, 24. “It is the everyday reality for young people everywhere irrespective of gender and location. Finding meaningful work has become a challenge we all face.”
The Q4 2025 survey shows that unemployment in Bhutan is unevenly distributed, shaped by age, gender, and geography.
Young women and urban residents continue to experience higher levels of joblessness, highlighting the urgent need for policies that address both gender and youth employment challenges.
As Bhutan looks toward the future, the challenge is clear: how to create meaningful employment for young women in urban centers, ensuring that the promise of education translates into opportunity.
For now, these women remain caught in a quiet struggle, their resilience tested daily, their voices waiting to be heard.
