Women Democrats
Role of Bhutanese Women in Democratic Bhutan
Democracy requires active participation and representation of all sections of the society and the fact that women constitute half the population, women’s input is not just desirable but absolutely necessary. This is because men and women have different needs, interests and priorities arising from their specific roles and situations. Because women’s priorities are different than those of men, it is important to incorporate their perspective in any policy decision. Women and children’s voice can be best understood and represented by a woman. When women are full participants in the democratic process, a strong base is built for the society. When the foundation is strong, the society can withstand any wind of change.
Women’s issues are not about women themselves but cover range of social issues such as child and family care, health and nutrition issues, reproductive rights, gender based violence, violence against children, rape, prostitution, education, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, social crime. Ensuring women’s concerns and interests not only benefits women but men, families and communities. Thus, with the commitment towards empowerment of women, the PDP has established the Women’s Department. The Party realizes that women are currently under represented in positions of leadership and influence in the social, economic and political life of the country and since democracy requires equal and effective participation of men and women, the PDP established the women’s department for three reasons: 1. to provide a platform to enable women to fully participate in the democratic process; 2. to provide space within the party for women democrats to ensure that the plans and programs are responsive to all section of the society; and 3. to empower women to take active and equal part in social, economic and political affairs.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Women Democrats
The Women Democrats is the Women’s Wing of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), constituted under Chapter XIV of the Charter of the PDP. Its long-term goal is equal representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions while the short-term goal is to create an enabling environment for active and effective participation of women in social, economic and political affairs. The Women Democrats will strive to promote the systematic participation of women in identifying gender differentiated impacts of policies and programs, and in defining and implementing ways to overcome barriers in access to economic resources, human development, and participation.
The Party is committed towards ensuring that women’s concerns, needs and aspirations are taken into account and assume the same importance as men’s concerns in the design and implementation of the party programs and policies. To achieve this, the Women Democrats are conducting nation wide consultation with women and understand the needs, concerns and perspective of women as Bhutan embraces democracy, which will result in a strategic plan for empowerment of women.
Women Democrats: Priority Issues 2007-2013
Women Democrats have identified 8 priority issues that will guide the work of Women Democrats, these are:
- Creating an enabling environment for effective participation of women in social, economic, and political affairs
- Encouraging greater political awareness and participation of women in politics
- Promoting financial and economic independence of women
- Eradicating Violence Against Women (VAW)
- Improving the quality and accessibility of health services
- Promoting higher and non formal education for women
- Supporting the Mentally challenged and Disabled
- Ensuring basic support for children
TEN REASONS TO JOIN THE WOMEN DEMOCRATS OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY
- The PDP is a new Party. Your involvement now can have a real impact on determining the future of the party in every respect – policy, organization, how it functions, Party activities.
- The PDP is democratic. The Party belongs to each and every member – regardless of who you are or where you’re from. The culture of democracy is being carefully nurtured within our party. After all, a political party can only govern democratically if it has first infused democratic principles within the Party.
- As a party member you can participate with an equal vote in the annual Party Convention which is the supreme decision-making body of the Party.
- All members have an equal voice in the formulation of Party policies and programs – either through submission of proposals to the Party Convention, or by writing to the Executive Committee and its sector specific Sub-Committees.
- Our Party members select the Party candidates for parliamentary seats. As you may know, the PDP selection procedure for candidates is very democratic. It is the Party members in a constituency who – through their constituency committee – select the Party candidate.
- You can join a wide network of Women Democrats, enjoy networking opportunities and the ability to meet and develop relationships with women across the country.
- As a member you can voice your views or concerns on any subject concerning the Party, and you can be sure that your views will be accorded full consideration.
- Members are informed about Party activities in your constituency, and other areas of interest to you.
- We have a wide network of party members across the country, and an excellent group of candidates for the 2008 parliamentary elections.
- Through your membership in the PDP you can join hands with us to make sure that our nation continues on the path of peace, progress and prosperity that has been laid down for us by beloved Kings.
If you would like to be part of the history by either volunteering or registering as a women democrat please contact Ms. Lily Wangchhuk, Head of Women Department using our contact form or call +975-17111363 or National Coordinators Mrs. Kinlay Lham at +975-17608168 and Rinzzy Choden at +975-17603492
