Author: Rinzi Pem
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.GD-07-09
Year: 2007
Academic Program: Gender and Development Studies (GDS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2007
Examination Committee: Kyoko Kusakabe (Chairperson); Jayant Kumar Routray, Philippe Doneys, Barbara Earth (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: In Bhutan where the population of women is almost half of the country, women are under represented in areas of government both at the national as well as the local level. This study concentrates on Shengana Gewog located in Punakha district in Bhutan and looks at the participation of women at the local government level. This study looks at numerous social, cultural and religious factors restraining women from joining politics. The low level of education, gender stereotyping and cultural norms have led to the prevalence of a perception which sees women only confined to the domestic tasks, incapable of understanding and having the capability to contribute in the political process. Although a matrilineal society does exists in Bhutan, there is no substantial evidence that this type of society helps empower women. The field research was conducted utilizing various methodologies namely reconnaissance survey, key informant interviews, semi structured interviews, focus group discussions and the use of case studies. As per the data collected, the main finding was that women do not have much of a role when it comes to making decisions in the gewog level. This under representation of women was due to obstacles women faced and the mind frame of the people. Lack of education, literacy rate, lack of confidence, lack of mobilization amongst women, the doubt on the capability of women and the male dominance of politics were the main findings in this study. These findings all conclude that there are many barriers which women have to overcome in order to be more active in the political arena. From the analysis of the findings, it can be stated that the various barriers all lead to the under representation of women in politics. Barriers such as political factors, religious beliefs and the existence of a matrilineal society all contribute to the less number of women in Bhutan’s politics. Recommendations such as awareness of rights, trainings for women, more media coverage to help women take part in politics, government initiat
Scholarship Donor(s): Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development
Advisory: Full-text is available at https://library.ait.ac.th/ (accessible to local ip address only)
