Bhutanese Women in STEM Leading the Way

In Bhutan, where tradition and modernity coexist, women are breaking barriers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The country has made significant progress in gender equality and the empowerment of women. While the representation of women in STEM fields remains low, a new generation of Bhutanese women and girls are challenging these norms, proving that science and innovation are for everyone.

From space engineers to climate scientists. From IT specialists to health researchers.  Bhutanese women are increasingly making their mark in STEM. 

One such trailblazer is Dr. Pooja Lepcha, a Deputy Executive Engineer at the Division of Telecom and Space under the Government Technology (GovTech) Agency. Dr. Lepcha has played a pivotal role in Bhutan’s space journey.

A graduate in electrical engineering from the College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan, she was awarded the UN/Japan Long-Term Fellowship (PNST) in 2017. This fellowship enabled her to pursue a master's degree in Space Engineering at Kyushu Institute of Technology, where she later completed her doctoral studies. 

Dr. Lepcha’s work on the BIRDS-2 satellite project culminated in the launch of BHUTAN-1, the country’s first satellite. She has since contributed to more than ten satellite projects while in Japan, specializing in Electrical Power Systems (EPS). She is currently leading Bhutan’s next satellite development project as the satellite systems engineer with a team of Bhutanese engineers at GovTech’s facilities. She also coordinates joint satellite projects with students from Royal University of Bhutan’s colleges. 

Passionate about advancing STEM education and space technology, Dr. Lepcha aspires to build in-country capacity in space systems engineering, and promote international collaboration in space, increasing Bhutan’s participation in global space initiatives.

Dr. Lepcha challenges any notion that women cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in STEM. 

“Girls just need a little push firstly from their family and then from the society to be who they want to be and reach far beyond the stars. Everyone faces challenges, but how resilient you are defining who you become,” she says. “Each time a girl takes a step forward in STEM, she is not just defying stereotypes but inspiring countless other girls to believe in themselves too. Believing in yourself, especially when the whole world says otherwise, can pave a path for more girls to follow.” 

Executive Engineer Dechen Dema holds a similar view.  Ms. Dema champions Bhutan’s leadership in sustainable energy. With an Australia Awards Scholarship, she earned a Master’s in Renewable and Sustainable Energy from Murdoch University, equipping her to lead key initiatives in renewable energy development, energy efficiency and policy planning.

She organized Energy Week, Bhutan’s first webinar series on renewable energy and energy efficiency. She mobilizes resources for energy projects and contributed to Bhutan’s SDG 7 roadmap, Bhutan Energy Data Directory 2022 and Bhutan’s first Green Hydrogen Roadmap. 

Ms. Dema believes that STEM is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a powerful catalyst for change, especially for women and girls. As an executive engineer working in the energy sector, she has gained valuable experience that has not only allowed her to grow professionally but have also opened doors to international collaborations, high-level forums, and leadership roles that she once thought were beyond reach. She hopes that the young girls of Bhutan today can have similar opportunities. 

The United Nations in Bhutan, in partnership with the government, supports initiatives like Girls in ICT Day, mentorship programs, and STEM scholarships. A four-day STEM hackathon in Gelephu introduced girls to neural networks, space technology, AI, and digital literacy. Among the participants was Kinley Pem, an 11th-grade student whose idea was shortlisted from 129 schools.

“Girls are just as smart as boys and have innovative ideas to improve our communities through technology,” she says.

As Bhutan continues its journey towards a knowledge-based economy, the contributions of women in STEM will be instrumental in driving sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, Bhutan is ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the country’s technological and scientific future. 

"When we empower girls with STEM education, we are not just changing their lives; we are changing our future towards one that is sustainable, prosperous and leaves no one behind.  We are building a legacy for the next generation of women and girls" says Karla Robin Hershey, Resident Coordinator of UN Bhutan.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and 30 years since the Beijing Declaration. The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States, reinforces commitments to breaking barriers for women in STEM.

As Bhutan continues its journey towards sustainable development, ensuring equal opportunities for women in STEM will be crucial. By breaking barriers today, Bhutanese women are not just transforming their own futures—they are shaping a better tomorrow for all.