Bhutan far ahead than Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India in gender equality
THIMPHU, BHUTAN – Bhutan is leading developments in the field of gender equality and is far ahead than Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.
Bhutan works well for gender equality but women still lag men in many areas, including in education, employment and government jobs, says an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.
Report also indicates that China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are doing better than Bhutan in gender equality.
The report – The Bhutan Gender Equality Diagnostic of Selected Sectors – is the collaborative effort of ADB, Bhutan’s National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), and the United Nations in Bhutan. It is the first comprehensive analysis of gender equality and women’s status in eight selected sectors. It is intended to provide a common platform to understand, plan, and initiate interventions in the eight sectors.
According to a press statement issued by ADB, the report notes that the government’s long-term strategic goal, Bhutan 2020: A Vision for Peace, Prosperity and Happiness is aiming to address gender inequality though its vision of development based on the ability of all to realize their potential; equitable sharing of the benefits of development; and opportunities for all to share in decisions that affect their lives, livelihoods, and families. To achieve this vision, Bhutan’s 11th Five-Year Plan has set targets for women in parliament and government bodies, tertiary education, and youth employment, and has also mandated government agencies to implement gender-sensitive policies and mainstream gender in their programs.
