Langa Tenzin - WNN Opinion
Namgay Peldon, aged 28, sits at the Gup of Tashiding
Gewog located in the governing house, known as the Dagana Dzongkhag of Bhutan
in South Asia. She currently stands as the only female
Gup (known as a Dzongda) or elected leader in Bhutan
and is known for her dedication to supporting human rights and equality
throughout the region. Image: Gurpreet Singh/UN Women
(WNN) Nangkor, BHUTAN:
First of all, I would like to offer my hearty congratulations to the recently
elected first women Dzongda [governor] and now the newly appointed woman
Justice of the Supreme Court of Bhutan.
I am proud of our country when it comes to gender equality and the
performance of the female gender which is looked down on in so many societies
around the world. When I say this, I don’t mean to be construed that Bhutan
has completely eliminated gender discrimination in its entirety though. There
is still a lot to do and miles to go. But the signs are all positive and
encouraging.
I am always of the view that our society is quite good in
adapting and transforming. In some cases the susceptibility to change may
backfire though. We have to be mindful of that. Otherwise such abilities to
transform society for better are only praiseworthy. Doing away with the age old
practices which are not favoured anymore in the present society shouldn’t be a
big issue, but if there is any possibility that they be modified and bettered I
would prefer going for that. I am sure many would see this view of mine as
something which is easier said than done. It is true. And it’s worth a try, I
must say.
The Bhutanese society like any other underwent a history,
though relatively short, of differences based on class, region and gender but I
feel that the issues of difference were not as pertinent as in other nations.
Because of this, Bhutan
may need lesser effort on our part to change and get better. We have to make
good use of this advantage and over the years we have been proving it. If
someone is capable, let him or her go for what his/her capability is worth.
Many of us would agree that Bhutan
is blessed in many areas compared to other societies.
Time and again, Bhutanese women have been proving that they
are equally capable, if not more so, than men.
Who were the ones who represented Bhutan
at the Olympics 2012 at London?
They were women. Two of them went and took part in the international event
which is a pride for all of us. I am very happy for them. Who heads the Anti
Corruption Commission of Bhutan? Dasho Aum Neten Zam, again a lady. There are
other ladies who are occupying important constitutional offices also, like the
Election Commission. Our woman Secretary of the Ministry of Education is
another example. And as we all know in Bhutan,
we now also have a women Dzongda [governor].
As if all these women leaders were not enough, we have
recently this month have our new woman Justice Tashi Chhozom, who was appointed
to the honourable Apex Court of Bhutan on the 3rd of August.
She is of course the first and only woman occupying such a prestigious office.
More importantly, she is also the youngest of all the Supreme Court judges.
All those women had the opportunity as their capability took
them through the door to go where they are today. Heartfelt appreciations go
out to all of them. Congratulations to them with equal opportunity for all.