Local leaders are integrating GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) principles to promote full participation and equality

Lhakpa Quendren

Zhemgang—In a significant shift from past social norms, community meetings in Zhemgang are witnessing a growing presence of women, young people, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs)—a departure from meetings dominated by male local elites and traditionally knowledgeable elders (Goshay Nyen-shay).

According to local government officials, around 60 percent of attendees at many community meetings are now women.

Trong Gup and Chairperson (Thrizin) of Zhemgang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Wangay, said that this trend reflects a broader, more inclusive approach to community engagement. “We now see elderly people, some with walking sticks, and PWDs actively attending these meetings,” Wangay said. “This is a positive change as it ensures all voices are heard in development discussions.”

The shift toward inclusivity is supported by the leadership training provided by SNV Bhutan in collaboration with the government, which has focused on integrating principles of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into local governance.

“We encourage greater participation because these individuals best understand their issues,” said Gup Wangay. “Their involvement not only transforms attitudes but also ensures that development efforts are more equitable, benefiting the community as a whole.”

Earlier, many marginalised groups, including senior citizens and PWDs, were absent from such meetings, leading to a lack of comprehensive development strategies.

Bjoka’s Trong Tshogpa, Yeshey Rangdel, said that more people now have a better understanding of civic engagement in community-building efforts. “Community meetings in the past were mostly attended by male heads of households, but now more women from my chiwogs are getting involved,” he said.

Local government officials of Trong and Bjoka gewogs who attended the training on Transformative Leadership were equipped with the knowledge to integrate and mainstream GEDSI principles into their daily actions, policies, and decisions.

Bjoka gewog administrative officer, Tshewang Choden, now sees her role not just as a decision-maker, but as someone who ensures that all people, irrespective of their gender, abilities, or backgrounds, feel valued and heard.

“It can be achieved by respecting diverse perspectives, encouraging open dialogue, empowering individuals with equal opportunities, and recognizing everyone’s contributions,” she said.

Some of the steps, she said, include collecting and analysing data to understand the impact of decisions on marginalised groups, including underrepresented sections, to ensure their perspectives are considered, and reviewing policies to identify biases and promote inclusivity.

“The more we attend the training, the more we learn and understand. I even advocate for inclusion while traveling with others because many people do not understand during the meetings,” Gup Wangay said.

Overcoming infrastructure barriers

However, challenges remain due to the lack of disability-friendly facilities, which prevent the full participation of PWDs in meetings. Local leaders are calling for the incorporation of disability-friendly infrastructure not only in public spaces but also in private homes.

Gup Wangay said that development activities must be more inclusive to ensure no one is left behind. “Everyone is an integral part of our society, and we must ensure that no person or household is left behind,” he said.

“There are a few people with walking difficulties in my chiwog, but their homes lack the necessary washroom facilities to accommodate their needs,” Tshogpa Yeshey Rangdel said. “We encourage people to install accessible toilets in their homes as well.”

For example, in Kaktong Primary School in Ngangla Gewog, new metal handrails and accessible toilets have been installed to cater to students with mobility challenges.

Rinchen Ngedup, the school’s officiating principal, said that Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) provided financial support for these efforts. “We have also requested a place for a girl with a disability to continue her education at Draktsho,” he added.

New metal handrails and accessible toilets have been installed for students with mobility challenges at Kaktong Primary School, Ngangla Gewog

Another area where women’s participation has been pivotal is in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.

Trong Mangmi Dorji Wangchuk said that women’s contributions have been crucial in making WASH programmes more inclusive and effective, ensuring they meet the needs of the entire community.

The call for inclusivity is echoed by the government’s broader commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the pledge to “leave no one behind.” The government’s 13th Plan reiterates this commitment, focusing on building a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for all Bhutanese.

The officiating chief engineer of the Water and Sanitation Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ugyen Thinley, explained that clean and safe toilets accessible to all were made possible through the partnership’s efforts. “The focus has shifted from government subsidy support to advocacy, as it is a fundamental right.”         

“If PWDs have no one to depend on, their gewogs identify them, and the government supports the construction of toilet facilities and water supply,” he added. “In some cases, the community comes together to help them, while they are also exempted from labor contributions.”   

Seen but not heard

Zhemgang has only four female local government leaders, including three tshogpas—two in Bardo and one in Phangkhar—and one thromde ngotshab, out of a total of 57 local government leaders in the current tenure.      

While inclusive participation in community meetings is encouraging, local government officials said that women rarely contribute to the discussions or decision-making process.              

Tshewang Choden said that the lack of female representation in the Gewog Tshogdu, government consultations, and workshops could lead to biased decisions and a lack of diverse perspectives. “It also marginalises certain groups, such as women, children, and PWDs,” she added. 

Tshewang Choden explained that encouraging inclusive participation in leadership positions can contribute to a richer and more diverse dialogue and decision-making process. “To overcome these challenges, we must advocate for change, educate, empower, and share knowledge about inclusivity,” she added.

Tshogpa Yeshey Rangdel said that contributions in the meetings mainly come from male participants. “It is not just about taking part in the meetings, but also actively engaging and contributing to the discussions that will impact them and society,” he said. “For example, if there is a water problem at their homes, women remain reluctant to report the issue in the meeting, while men freely share whatever they intend to.”   

This story is produced in collaboration with SNV Bhutan with support from the Royal Government of Bhutan, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government, and the Water for Women Fund.