Experts emphasise that real change requires engaging men and boys, religious and community leaders, and the private sector. Shifting attitudes among the younger generation through comprehensive sexuality education and school-based prevention programmes will be crucial.
A silent crisis persists behind closed doors in the Himalayan kingdom long celebrated for its gross national happiness index – violence against women remains one of Bhutan’s most pressing yet under-addressed social challenges, despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality and progressive legislation such as the domestic violence prevention act (DVPA).
The most comprehensive data come from the 2017 National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experiences, which continues to serve as the national baseline. It found that 44.6 per cent of ever-partnered women and girls have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime – physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, or economic.
Breakdown includes:
- physical violence: 13.9 per cent
- sexual violence: 4.5 per cent
- emotional violence: 15.8 per cent
- economic violence: 10.9 per cent
In the 12 months preceding the survey, 30 per cent reported any form of IPV, with emotional abuse (8.6 per cent) and economic control (6.7 per cent) particularly common. Non-partner physical violence affected 12.5 per cent and non-partner sexual violence 5.8 per cent of women and girls. Alarmingly, 6.9 per cent reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse, most often between ages 10 to14 years.
Recent police and data from civil society organisations show the problem has not disappeared. Domestic violence cases reported to the Royal Bhutan Police rose from 588 in 2023 to 640 in 2024. The NGO RENEW documented 2,536 cases of violence against women between 2020 and 2024, with emotional abuse showing the steepest increase.
Cultural Attitudes Fuel Underreporting and Acceptance
Societal norms continue to normalise violence. More than half (53.4 per cent) of women and girls believe a man is sometimes justified in hitting his wife. Justifications include “neglecting the children,” “going out without telling him,” or “arguing back.” Over a third (38.3 per cent) agree that “women are nine births lower than men,” reflecting lingering patriarchal beliefs.
Underreporting is widespread. 41.3 per cent of survivors of physical or sexual partner violence never told anyone; 72.5 per cent never sought formal help. Many fear bringing shame to the family, worry about economic dependence, or believe violence is a private matter. Cultural taboos and stigma around divorce and marital rape further silence victims.
Launch of National GBV Strategy
On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2025, Bhutan’s queen, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, long-time UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, formally launched Bhutan’s National Strategy and Framework of Action on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (2024–2028).
Developed by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) with technical support from UNFPA, UNDP and UNICEF, the strategy is built on four pillars:
- Response: universal access to integrated, survivor-centred services (health, justice, shelters, mental health)
- Prevention: transforming harmful norms through education, media campaigns, youth engagement and community mobilisation
- Enabling Environment: strengthening laws, policies, coordination and financing
- Data and Evidence: building robust monitoring and research systems
Ongoing Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the ambitious framework, implementation faces hurdles: limited rural service coverage, insufficient shelters (especially for women with disabilities or from marginalised groups), weak enforcement of existing laws, and persistent resource gaps. Online and technology-facilitated violence is emerging as a new frontier, yet receives limited attention.
Experts emphasise that real change requires engaging men and boys, religious and community leaders, and the private sector. Shifting attitudes among the younger generation through comprehensive sexuality education and school-based prevention programmes will be crucial.
