Development work in bhutan

In Bhutan, we improve women’s livelihoods by organising vocational training. We work with local partner organisation, RENEW.

Bhutan is a small landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by China and India, the world’s most populous countries. The population of Bhutan is only 763 092. Fida has done development work in Bhutan since 2011 and remains the only Finnish NGO in the country.

Bhutan is one of the poorest countries in the world, where gender equality has not been realised. These are the main concerns of Fida’s Country Programme in Bhutan. The target groups for Fida’s training are widows, early school leavers, single parents, victims of domestic violence, and people with disabilities.

Our Partner – the Queen Mother’s Organisation

In Bhutan, Fida’s partner is a local NGO, RENEW, founded by the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The organisation focuses on preventing gender-based violence and assisting victims of such violence. Fida’s Country Programme supports the extensive work of RENEW, including improving the financial positions of victims of violence and helping them in making independent decisions. In Bhutan, the royal family is highly respected, thus the partner organisation RENEW, as well as training organised by Fida, are well known throughout the country.

Vocational Training for the Most Vulnerable

Fida’s Country Programme promotes the right to a safe life for the most vulnerable women and children. A significant part of this is vocational training organised by Fida and its partners, aimed at eradicating poverty and improving living standards.

Vocational training is a proven method of reducing the risk of domestic violence. Women use funds gained from a new profession for family welfare, such as providing their families with more varied food. Further, children are better able to attend school, as supported by a new income.

Vocational training is tailored in collaboration with the city’s decision-makers and their advisors, those with expert knowledge. When municipal decision-makers have become involved in training from the outset, they commit to projects, even arranging training facilities for free. These decision-makers also help women in their municipalities to find work after training. In many places they have provided women with the use of a marketplace free of charge.

After completing sewing training, my friend and I founded a sewing company. At first, we faced challenges, however, our customer base has since grown significantly.

Yeshey Denkar, entrepreneur.

Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Education

Gender-based and domestic violence is common in Bhutan, often seen as a normal part of marital life. In cooperation with its partner, Fida organises educational programs where communities learn about sexual and reproductive health, as well as children’s rights. As a result of this training, individuals are recognising what violence is, where they can get help, and how to report violence in their communities.