𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩-𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

By Lhendup Wangmo

A recent survey into gender attitudes in Bhutan has painted a complex picture, revealing that while a significant majority of women acknowledge the existence of gender equality in the country, deeply rooted traditional gender norms continue to exert influence over perceptions. Despite some progress, many women continue to uphold conventional beliefs regarding the roles and rights of women within society.

The survey’s findings demonstrate a stark contrast between belief in gender equality and adherence to traditional gender roles. While 64.6% of women agree that gender equality exists in Bhutan, a substantial portion still supports ideas that place women in subservient positions to men. For instance, one-third (33%) of women agreed with the statement, “a good wife obeys her husband even if she disagrees,” and 13.5% agreed that, “a man should show he is the boss.” These figures suggest that while women may acknowledge gender equality, traditional beliefs still persist, restricting women’s autonomy and roles in society.

Another troubling finding from the survey was the persistence of the belief that “women are nine births lower than men,” a notion held by 38.3% of women and girls. This belief is notably more widespread among older generations, with 60.8% of women aged 50-64 agreeing, compared to only 20.9% of adolescents (aged 15-19). This generational divide signals a potential shift towards more progressive ideas among younger women, though traditional views remain entrenched among older generations.

Perhaps one of the most concerning findings of the survey is the normalization of gender-based violence, with 53.4% of women agreeing that a man may be justified in hitting his wife under certain circumstances. Among women who have suffered physical or sexual violence, this belief was even more pronounced, with 60.4% agreeing that violence could be justified in some cases. This acceptance of violence reflects an ingrained societal view that seeks to excuse such behaviors and points to the urgent need for continued efforts to challenge and change these harmful perceptions.

Education appears to play a critical role in reshaping gender perceptions. Women with higher levels of education were less likely to hold traditional views. For example, only 15.6% of women with tertiary education agreed with the statement “a good wife obeys her husband even if she disagrees,” compared to 38.1% of women with no formal education. Similarly, 54.9% of women with tertiary education rejected the notion of gender inequality in Bhutan, compared to only 33% of women with lower levels of education. These findings highlight the importance of education in empowering women to challenge outdated societal norms and foster greater gender equality.

The survey also revealed significant regional differences in gender attitudes. Women living in rural areas were more likely to uphold traditional views compared to their urban counterparts. For instance, 41.2% of rural women agreed that “women are nine births lower than men,” compared to only 33.4% of women in urban areas. These findings suggest that region-specific interventions are necessary to address the unique cultural and societal influences in both urban and rural settings, in order to effectively promote gender equality.

The experiences of women who have suffered partner violence further illustrate how violence can reinforce traditional gender norms. These women were more likely to agree with statements like “a man should show he is the boss” and “women are nine births lower than men.”

Additionally, these women were less likely to believe in gender equality in the country, highlighting the vicious cycle in which violence reinforces harmful attitudes towards gender and power dynamics.

Despite these troubling findings, there have been efforts to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality. The National Gender Equality Policy, along with the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Penal Code, provides legal frameworks for protecting women and girls from violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

However, the survey highlights that while legal measures are essential, they alone are not enough to bring about lasting change. Deep-seated cultural and societal attitudes remain a significant barrier to achieving true gender equality. These findings suggest that a national conversation is needed to challenge and dismantle harmful traditions that limit women’s rights and freedoms.

One critical area for improvement is gender-sensitive education, particularly for older women and those with lower educational levels. The survey demonstrates that education can play a transformative role in changing harmful stereotypes and promoting gender equality. Educational initiatives targeting these groups are crucial for shifting entrenched attitudes and fostering a more equitable society.

Although Bhutan has made considerable strides in advancing gender equality, the survey underlines that much work remains to be done. True gender equality will require not only legislative reform and support for survivors but also a profound cultural shift. Achieving this goal will necessitate ongoing public education, continued support for survivors of violence, and a sustained effort to challenge traditional gender norms. Ultimately, the vision is for a society where gender equality is not merely a legal right, but a deeply ingrained societal value.