Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Royal Patron of RENEW and Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), graced the International Women’s Day celebration in Haa Dzongkhag yesterday.
Held under the global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” the event brought together over five thousand people at the public ground, highlighting the nation’s collective commitment to advancing women’s rights, gender equality, and priority public health issues across the country.
The program featured a series of insightful presentations addressing urgent priorities such as gender-based violence, access to justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the support services available for survivors of violence ensuring that communities are well-informed and empowered.
A significant highlight of the celebration was the launch of the 4th edition of the MSTF-CBSS National Guideline and the Training Handbook on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment, further strengthening Bhutan’s national efforts to prevent violence and protect women and girls.
Also present at the celebration were the Hon’ble Ministers for Education and Health, the Cabinet Secretary, senior executive officials and distinguished international dignitaries.
The event was organised by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in collaboration with RENEW, the Ministry of Health, The PEMA Secretariat, UNFPA in Bhutan and UNICEF Bhutan.
The celebration was a part of a High-Level Advocacy Program led by Her Majesty from March 7-12. The program will continue in Samtse and Phuentsholing, reinforcing a strong national message that through shared purpose and collective action, every woman, child and family can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.
