𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬, 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔.

By Ngawang Jamphel

In a bid to empower women and tackle household waste management, a two-week zero waste craft training program was recently held in Jomotsangkha Town, Samdrup Jongkhar. Sponsored by the Department of Tourism under the GEF Ecotourism Project, the initiative was proposed and executed by the Dzongkhag Administration in collaboration with the Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative and Langchenphu Gewog Administration. The training aimed to equip women with skills to generate income while reducing waste. Twenty individuals participated in this endeavor, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and gender empowerment.

The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative, a key partner in this project, has been conducting similar training programs since 2014, benefiting over a thousand women. With a primary focus on empowering women economically, these programs have gained recognition for their innovative approach to waste management. Notably, the initiative’s emphasis on transforming plastic bottle waste into usable products like shopping bags has significantly contributed to waste reduction efforts.

Participant Sonam Choden expressed her newfound appreciation for the transformative potential of waste, remarking, “Until my training, I never knew this plastic waste could be transformed into such beautiful items. Now I can weave and transform those wastes and make some earnings through it.” Her sentiments echo the broader impact of such initiatives in combating waste globally.

Gaumati Rai, among the participants, emphasized the pivotal role of training in tackling waste issues within the community, albeit with humility. Her sentiments were echoed by Tandin Wangmo, who expressed pride in swiftly acquiring skills like basket weaving, sack making, and container crafting over just two weeks. Their acknowledgment highlights not only the effectiveness of the training program but also the determination of individuals to make a positive impact in their community. Through these newfound skills, they demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and a willingness to contribute to waste management efforts, fostering a cleaner and greener environment for all.

Guman Singh Gayal, Gup of Langchenphu Gewog, highlighted the positive impact of these training sessions on waste management awareness and women’s empowerment. He noted that beyond raising awareness, the program has empowered women who traditionally stay at home, enabling them to contribute as breadwinners for their families. Furthermore, Guman Singh Gayal also said that it not only helps in fighting waste but also gives women an equal opportunity.

During the closing ceremony, Tashi Wangmo, Dzongdag commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to continue crafting reusable items. She also pointed out the economic and societal benefits of such endeavors, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in community development. Several participants expressed gratitude to Dzongdag for initiating the program and to the funders for their support in empowering them economically.

This zero waste craft training program stands as a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and gender equality. By equipping women with valuable skills and fostering awareness about waste management, the initiative not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the broader goal of building a more resilient and sustainable society. As participants continue to apply their newfound skills and knowledge, they serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond.