Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Royal Patron of RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women), graced the inaugural ceremony of RENEW Community Service Center in Tsirang yesterday. 

Signifying a pioneering initiative of a dzongkhag administration, the establishment of the center sets a significant milestone in bolstering access to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services in Tsirang.

Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck interacts with the community of Tsirang during the high level advocacy on priority public health issues

Tsirang is among the dzongkhags with the highest reported cases of GBV. Since April 2022, 80 survivors of GBV have availed of services from the center. The center’s construction concluded in March this year, funded with a budget of Nu 4.01 million from the government. It is situated adjacent to Tsirang hospital in Damphu Throm.

With support from UNICEF, the center has been equipped with essential facilities and two personnel to run its operations. The center stands as a hub, providing access to services for survivors of GBV. Core services like counselling, case management, legal assistance, emergency shelter and efficient referrals to crucial support and services are offered. Additionally, the center contributes to the empowerment of women and girls by providing training in livelihood skills.

This center is among the three that were established in 2022 in partnership with NCWC, RENEW and UNICEF.  By the end of this year, two more centers will be established in Samtse and Gelephu.