The International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated globally on the November 25 every year. In Bhutan, Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) along with students and community of Babesa and the UN family in Bhutan observed the Day.
It was graced by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the president of RENEW and the Goodwill ambassador of UNFPA.
The theme for the day is “Commit. Act. Demand: We Can End violence against Women.”
Speaking at the gathering of at least 1,000 women, teachers and students at Babesa Middle secondary school, Her Majesty the Queen Mother said that domestic violence is the biggest problem for almost all the women everywhere.
The Acting UN Resident Representative in Bhutan, Dr. Gepke Hingst, said that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse among others.
“Around the world, as many as one in 3 women has been beaten, forced to sex or, abused in some way or other way-most often someone she knows including her husband or another male family member: 1 woman in 4 has been abused during pregnancy.”
To intensify efforts for zero tolerance of violence against women, RENEW launched the golden pin. This will call in pledge from people from all walks of lives to ‘say no’ to violence against women.
Her Majesty the Queen mother awarded Golden Pins to 18 people. Her Majesty also awarded prizes to the winners in the essay competition.
During the celebration teachers and students of Babesa Middle Secondary School presented various cultural programme.
Her majesty also interacted with the gathered women and served Tokha.
Source: Bhutan Broadcasting Service