LocationsBhutan launches its first national strategy and framework of action for elimination of gender-based violence on the International Women's Day.
A national strategy to tackle violence against women and girls
March 8, 2025
Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck launched the GBV strategy
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Equal rights.
Equal opportunities.
Equal power.
A bold call to action for all women and girls around the world this International Women's Day.
As Bhutan joined the global community to mark the day, it made yet another significant step towards fulfilling the promise of gender equality with the launch of its first-ever National Strategy and Framework of Action on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, who tirelessly championed the rights of women and girls in her role as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador to Bhutan, launched the strategy at a high-level held in capital Thimphu. The strategy marks a milestone in Bhutan’s commitment to ending GBV, a major obstacle to achieving SDG 5 on Gender Equality and over 80 related SDG indicators.
Developed by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for coordinated and sustained actions to combat GBV and ensure a violence-free Bhutan where Bhutanese women and girls live a life free from all forms of violence.
According to a study on prevalence of violence against women and girls launched in 2019, two in five Bhutanese women experience one or more forms of partner violence, with 53.4% believing it is sometimes ‘justified.’ Childhood exposure to violence was also found to increase the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating partner violence in adulthood.
The strategy seeks to change worrying status-quo. Built on four pillars of Response, Prevention, Enabling Environment and Data and Evidence, the strategy adopts a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling violence against women and girls.
“Today marks a hopeful and transformative step towards a safer, more equal Bhutan. The launch of the National Strategy and Framework of Action on Elimination of Gender-Based Violence demonstrates our collective determination to protect the rights and dignity of all women and girls," said Dasho Kesang Deki, Chairperson, NCWC. "While the prevalence of violence remains a challenge, we are confident that we can shift societal attitudes, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure that every Bhutanese citizen lives free from violence. This strategy is not just a plan—it's a promise to future generations that we will create a society where gender equality and safety are the foundation of our shared values."
The launch comes during the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark blueprint for gender equality. As we mark Beijing+30, which still remains the world's most comprehensive, visionary plan ever created to achieve equal rights of ALL women and girls, the world remains deeply unequal.
“The world cannot wait for another 30 years to achieve gender equality. We must take bold actions now,” said UNDP Resident Representative Mohammad Younus. “At UNDP, combating gender-based violence remains a critical area of our work here in Bhutan and around the world. The National Strategy and Framework for Action to Combat GBV, which builds on our longstanding partnership with NCWC, is a blueprint to bring all stakeholders together for a more coordinated and holistic approach to tackling violence against women and girls. UNDP remains committed to supporting efforts to translate the strategy into tangible actions for a lasting impact.”
A panel discussion discussed and explored ways to walk the talk on gender equality- translating promises into reality.
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Of the four pillars of the strategy, the Response pillar emphasizes establishment of accessible, high-quality, and comprehensive response services for all survivors of GBV by 2028, while the Prevention pillar is centered around bringing a cultural and societal shift to promote zero tolerance of GBV and harmful practices through education, awareness and community engagement. The Enabling Environment pillar focuses on strengthening policy, legal and institutional environment that prevents GBV and harmful practices. The Data and Evidence pillar pioneers a robust data collection and analysis system to inform and enhance programmes for preventing and responding to GBV and harmful practices.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Communications and Partnerships Analyst, UNDP Bhutan, Email: dechen.wangmo@undp.org.
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Tapping into our broad global network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we support the Royal Government of Bhutan in its efforts to accelerate its development through innovation, digitalization, development financing, partnerships, cutting-edge global knowledge and technical expertise. Our work is centered around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.
