Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honoring Progress, Empowering Change, and Advancing Gender Equality

Tshering Tshokey always knew she was a transwoman, but societal pressure delayed her transition. Her breaking point came when male classmates trapped her in a school bathroom, humiliating her by dousing her with water. With no intervention from school officials, she left school. At home, acceptance was a struggle until her mother’s support, symbolized by a gift of gold earrings and a rachu, marked a turning point. Today, Tshering is a beacon of hope within Bhutan’s LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for transgender rights and support services.

Her story was highlighted by Prime Minister Lyonchen Dasho Tshering Tobgay during Bhutan’s International Women’s Day 2025 celebration. While global conversations call for urgent action, the Prime Minister reflected on Bhutan's unique approach—celebrating women's achievements with gratitude, rather than emphasizing a call to action.

A Tribute to Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck

This year’s celebration paid special tribute to Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck for her 25 years of service as the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador to Bhutan. Since 1999, Her Majesty has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights, reproductive health, and gender equality, traveling across Bhutan to reach the most vulnerable communities. 

“For 25 years, Her Majesty has dedicated herself to uplifting the most marginalized members of our society. As a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, she has traveled to every corner of the country—through rugged terrains, harsh weather, and difficult conditions, meeting countless individuals, listening to their stories, and advocating for their rights,” said the Prime Minister. 

At the event, government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth, and marginalized communities came together to honor Her Majesty's contributions.

In recognition of Her Majesty’s commitment, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director Pio Smith presented Her Majesty with a prestigious award, celebrating her transformative impact on reproductive rights, health education, and gender equity. While presenting the award, Pio Smith said Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck’s commitment to gender equality has transformed the lives of women and girls across Bhutan. By challenging traditional norms, strengthening legal protections, and improving support services, Her Majesty has strengthened a society where issues once considered taboo—such as gender-based violence and reproductive rights—are openly discussed and addressed. A bold step in this journey was the establishment of RENEW, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering women and providing a sanctuary for those escaping cycles of violence. With UNFPA’s support, RENEW has become a beacon of hope, equipping women and girls with the skills and confidence to lead independent lives. 

“Her Majesty has redefined what it means to be a champion for women and girls, reminding us that true progress is rooted in a world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from violence, prejudice, and limitation,” said Pio Smith. 

Reflecting on the journey, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck shared:

“What began as a daunting task has transformed into a mission that has empowered thousands of women and young people. I am deeply grateful for the lessons learned, the challenges we have overcome, and the collective progress we have made toward gender equality.”

Key Initiatives Launched

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework for advancing gender equality and women's rights. In line with Bhutan's commitment to empowering women and girls, the National Commission for Women and Children launched the National Strategy for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, 2024-2028. Developed with UNFPA, UNDP, and other agencies, this strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to combat gender-based violence.

The event also featured the unveiling of Comprehensive Sexuality Education Picture Books, created by the Paro College of Education as a tribute to Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. These resources, inspired by Her Majesty's advocacy for reproductive rights and gender equality, will educate primary school students on rights, choices, and inclusivity.

The afternoon session focused on translating gender equality commitments into action through a panel discussion with government leaders, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in promoting gender equality.

Empowering Women Through Sustainable Fashion: A Stakeholder Forum for International Women’s Day

Meanwhile, in a concurrent event to celebrate International Women’s Day, a stakeholder exchange forum at the Royal Textile Academy highlighted the contributions of Bhutanese women artisans to sustainable fashion. Organized by the Bhutan Chapter of the World Food Forum, in partnership with the Royal Textile Academy, Mountain Partnership, and FAO, the event will provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and advocating for women’s economic participation in ethical fashion value chains.

With a focus on youth engagement and climate action, the forum aligns with the UN’s International Women’s Day theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." The event was part of a collaborative project by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) and FAO, which aims to strengthen high-value mountain product value chains. By merging Bhutan’s traditional weaving techniques with contemporary sustainable fashion, the initiative seeks to enhance market access and economic resilience for women artisans.

The forum featured renowned Italian fashion designer Stella Jean alongside local textile experts, focusing on Bhutan's potential to connect rural women artisans to global markets. Despite Bhutan's rich textile craftsmanship, many artisans face challenges in accessing broader opportunities. This forum aims to bridge that gap, empowering women to thrive in the growing ethical fashion industry.

Bhutan: A Story of Progress and Promise

Bhutan has made remarkable progress in gender equality and women's empowerment, with strong policies and leadership driving the country's development. Significant achievements include increased girls' participation in education, with enrollment rates in higher secondary education now surpassing those of boys. Maternal health has also improved, with a reduced maternal mortality rate of 53 per 100,000 live births.

Women’s agency has grown, as seen in their representation in leadership roles, such as the Minister for Education and the Chair of the Civil Service Commission. The integration of Life Skills Education into the monastic curriculum further supports gender equality.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Karla Robin Hershey recognized the continued efforts of the Royal Government of Bhutan and its people in advancing the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The synergy between UNFPA’s mandate and Bhutan’s unique culture has been key in achieving these milestones.

However, while significant progress has been made, it is important to acknowledge that challenges persist. Despite the excellent policies in place, implementation remains a critical factor in achieving true gender equality. The 13th Five-Year Plan rightly focuses on addressing youth unemployment, social protection reforms, and improvements in health, education, and lifelong learning, with particular emphasis on empowering women and girls.

“It is essential that we continue to make gender equality a priority, as doing so unlocks the full potential of the country. With sustained and smart investments, Bhutan can achieve its gender dividend and continue to progress in reducing inequalities,” said Karla Robin Hershey.

On behalf of the United Nations, the Resident Coordinator expressed gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck’s leadership in shaping a future where every woman and girl can realize her full potential and reaffirmed on the collective commitment to building a world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and violence.