Tshering Yangzom 12 commerce (ESSAY)

GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN BHUTAN

Bhutan, a small developing nation nestled between India and China, has a culture that favors men as leaders in society. Although Bhutanese women legally have the same rights as men, there's still a noticeable difference between genders. This divide persists due to age-old traditions, cultural biases, stereotypes, and societal norms. In Bhutan, women are typically expected to stay at home, caring for the family, while men are seen as the strong protectors and providers, often referred to as family men. To address this gap, the government has implemented various strategies to encourage women to participate more actively in society. However, Bhutan continues to grapple with gender disparities across multiple fields, including social, economic, political, and religious rights.

The sociology of gender determines how the society influences our understanding and perceptions of differences between male and female. The women position in a society were generally always playing the role of housewife, looking after the children and the family while men were found engaged in physical work as a source of income that is earning and feeding the family. This evolution has given new meaning of life to the women in a society. Therefore, it has been difficult to eliminate the word called gender discrimination in Bhutan.  In Bhutan, in order to encourage women to come forward the government has invented number of programs such as RENEW, National Commission for Women and Children and UN Women. Gender discrimination prevails in the country where men were given more priority in the field of social, economic, political and religious rights in the past and the present. As a result, from educational attainment to politics and decision- making, gender equality is importantly becoming relevant, and with that women’s participation will catch up with that of men. Furthermore, the gender discrimination still exist in the country because of the existing cultural bias and stereotyping, which effects the women leadership quality. To illustrate on this, in schools of Bhutan though the women may have the equal strength and leadership quality to become the Chief which is the head of the student, but because of the cultural bias and stereotype women are elected as Vice Chief. Therefore, it clearly shows that women are given less privilege in the field of leadership.  While deep-rooted cultural restrictions have not allowed women to bridge gap and achieve gender equality in Bhutan. For instance, in our country there has been no history of women being elected as Prime Minister unlike some countries and the country is still ruled by the King. It is conclusive that there is lesser number of women coming forward in equals political rights despite the progress to bridge the gap. Consequently, with lesser number of participation in policy maker and leaderships concludes men as more dominating in decision making policy. Additionally, the stereotype and cultures beliefs restrictions don’t allow the equal rights to the women, especially in our country Bhutan. For example, women are prohibited from entering into Gyenkhangs (inner sanctum) where the tradition and beliefs has been passed down from generation and is still followed. Likewise, it is believed that if any women whose menstrual cycle has started, entering the Gyenkhangs would carry certain “impurity” inside the shrine. In general, the rule is man- made because there is no rule made by celestial god and is not a law of nature either. Henceforth, it can be seen that women are still discriminated and not given equal religious right as men do.   In summary, the gender discrimination has been in existence for a long time despite the several efforts to eliminate the gender gap.  Bhutanese women are given less privilege than men in most of the field where society look at the gender in a stereotype way. Notably, the number of participation in politics and leadership are less creating the gender gap vast. Further, women still don’t have the equal religious rights as men, thereby in the society beliefs women are prohibited to enter the temples. Therefore, all the above mention such as society perception on women as housewife, less number of participation in policy maker, leadership and economics and restriction women from entering the lhakhangs and making offering during menstruation sum up that women in our country don’t enjoy the equal social, political, economics and religious rights.

THANK YOIU

                                    Mental Health

Mental health, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of modern life, is a cornerstone of overall well-being. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, yet stigmas and misconceptions persist, hindering progress towards comprehensive care and support.

Firstly, understanding mental health requires acknowledging its complexity. It is not merely the absence of mental illness but a continuum of experiences, ranging from flourishing to struggling. Factors such as genetics, environment, and life events contribute to its dynamics. Moreover, mental health intersects with various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Secondly, fostering mental health necessitates proactive measures at individual, societal, and systemic levels. Individuals can cultivate resilience through self-care practices like mindfulness, exercise, and seeking support when needed. Furthermore, promoting open communication and empathy within communities can reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging, vital for mental well-being. Additionally, prioritizing mental health in policymaking ensures accessible and equitable services for all.

However, despite progress, barriers to mental health care persist. Stigma remains a significant obstacle, leading to discrimination and reluctance to seek help. Limited resources and inadequate funding exacerbate disparities in access to care, particularly for marginalized communities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, involving education, advocacy, and resource allocation.

In conclusion, nurturing mental health is an essential endeavor with far-reaching implications. It is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for a thriving society. By fostering understanding, dismantling stigmas, and prioritizing support systems, we can create a world where mental well-being is valued and safeguarded for all.