The Role of NGOs in Empowering Women in Bhutan

Abstract

Understanding the term “Women Empowerment” is a complex phenomenon. Trying to decipher whether Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has facilitated it is even harder. This study is an attempt to assess NGOs and their role in empowering women in Bhutan and provide some policy recommendations based on findings of the study. A cross-sectional research on 150 individuals in Thimphu and Punakha districts in Bhutan was conducted through a well-structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview and the population of the study are individuals who are directly or indirectly associated with six different NGOs (namely, BAOWE, RTA, SABAH, RENEW, READ and Tarayana Foundation) in Bhutan. The findings of this study reveal that NGOs play an important role in the empowerment of women for its all indicators like economic decision-making, social security, family decision-making ability, and legal awareness in Bhutan. However, only involvement in different NGOs does not lead to increase in women empowerment but when it is coupled with participation in trainings and different awareness programs then it helps women in enhancing their empowerment. These training programs not only provide self- employment training but also facilitate good decision-making. Nevertheless, there are also stereotypes that limit them from getting more employment opportunities and participation in politics. There is a need for mass awareness campaigns and advocacy about the NGOs all over the country to ensure the accessibility of the services provided by the NGOs. Also, it would be more effective if there were NGOs’ centers in every district of Bhutan to ensure that all women are empowered.