A centennial tribute to Bhutanese women

31 October 2008

Women representatives from the 20 dzongkhags participated in a seminar, “Voices – a Centennial Tribute to the Women of Bhutan” in Thimphu on October 24.

The seminar was the outcome of two years of sensitisation throughout the country by Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) – a concept that was supported by Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck.

The 200-page documentary “Reflections: Words and Wisdom of Bhutanese Women” was published by RENEW with a forward by Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. A documentary film “Voices” was released and a Dzongkha handbook “Saang Tam” published to raise awareness and encourage exchange of experiences among the rural women. The interviews, photographs and film footage for the “Voices” were collected during the field visits to different places, some of which come from the remotest corners of Bhutan.

RENEW had also conducted workshops in five dzongkhags: Punakha, Bumthang, Tashiyangtse, Gelephu and Paro to raise awareness about gender and other issues, and gather experiences and concerns of women.

The project was funded by UNDP, UNFPA, and Canadian Cooperation Office with some additional support from the Czech Embassy, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Elysium Foundation and the Global Fund for Women.

Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the national presentation of the film “Voices” and released the publication of “Saang Tam” in Lower Motithang on October 25.

By Sonam Rinchen

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