𝐄𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐀 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞

…𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚

By Zhenphen Chokden

Eve teasing, often dismissed as innocent flirting or harmless jokes, is a pervasive issue that remains largely underreported in Bhutan. Despite its benign label, it is a form of sexual harassment with the potential for significant emotional, psychological, and social harm to women and girls. While Bhutanese society is often portrayed as peaceful, the reality is that eve teasing has been surfacing more frequently, particularly as the country progresses toward gender equality and creating safer public spaces. This issue demands a critical dialogue between citizens, educators, students, and policymakers.

Eve teasing refers to the verbal or physical harassment of women, typically in public spaces, through unsolicited comments, catcalls, or inappropriate gestures. Though often trivialized as “playful teasing,” it can escalate into more severe forms of harassment or even assault. The Royal Bhutan Police’s Crime and Operations Division (COD) reports a concerning rise in such incidents. Between 2023 and February 2025, four cases were officially recorded in Haa, Punakha, Wamrong, and Gyelposhing stations. While the numbers seem low, sources indicate that many incidents go unreported due to the social stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of awareness about legal recourse.

“Most victims remain silent because they fear judgment or think their complaints won’t be taken seriously,” says Kinley Dema, a first-year college student. “Eve teasing might not seem like a big issue everywhere, but it definitely exists, especially in urban areas where people from different backgrounds mix.”

The underreporting of eve teasing is not just a problem of perception; it is a deeply entrenched social issue. According to Kinley Dema and other members of the community, the failure to report is largely due to a lack of understanding about the seriousness of the issue. “Many people, including students, don’t realize how damaging eve teasing can be,” says Ngawang Dema, a concerned member of the general public. “Without awareness, they don’t understand the consequences of their actions or the urgency of addressing such behavior.”

This societal mindset has led to a culture where eve teasing is normalized, especially among younger generations. Without the right education or frameworks to understand boundaries and respect, many students fail to recognize harassment for what it is.

Educational institutions play a crucial role in addressing eve teasing and sexual harassment. Bhutanese schools have taken proactive steps to instill gender sensitivity, respect, and personal boundaries. Programs in schools often include counseling sessions, workshops, campaigns, and peer-to-peer activities designed to educate students about these issues. Many schools have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward eve teasing, ensuring that all reported cases are thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.

However, while these programs are steps in the right direction, they have not completely eliminated the problem. One of the key barriers to addressing eve teasing in schools is the fear of social exclusion or retaliation from peers. “The biggest challenge is that students are often afraid of being ostracized if they speak up,” says Ngawang Dema. “There’s no real support system in place to ensure that victims are believed or protected.”

The community’s role in challenging eve teasing is pivotal. Awareness campaigns and public education can go a long way in shifting public attitudes. Through posters, presentations, and interactive sessions, individuals are becoming more aware of the detrimental effects of eve teasing. However, this is just the beginning.

“We need a collective effort from the government, teachers, and community leaders to educate people about how serious this issue is,” says Jigme Wangchuk, a member of the general public. “It’s not just about legal action; it’s about changing the mindset that makes eve teasing seem acceptable.”

One approach gaining traction is encouraging men to be more proactive in standing against eve teasing. “Men need to speak out against this kind of behavior,” says Kinley Dema. “They should educate younger boys on how to treat women with respect and create a culture of accountability. By doing so, we can make public spaces safer for everyone.”

Bhutan’s Penal Code includes provisions to address harassment, including eve teasing. However, the enforcement of these laws has been inconsistent, and many victims remain hesitant to come forward. “The problem is that many victims fear not being believed or being blamed for the harassment,” says Ngawang Dema. “There’s a stigma attached to reporting these incidents.”

For the legal system to be more effective, there needs to be a shift in how harassment is handled. “Victims need to feel assured that their complaints will be taken seriously,” says Jigme Wangchuk. “If the legal system can ensure that victims are protected and heard, more people will come forward.”

Eve teasing is not just a problem for women to address; it is a social issue that requires the collective effort of all members of society. While schools and colleges are making strides, the larger societal shift toward respect, compassion, and equality is still a work in progress. “We need to create open spaces for discussion, encourage bystander intervention, and make eve teasing completely unacceptable,” says Sonam Yangchen, a second-year college student.

The fight against eve teasing in the country is far from over. Through education, public awareness, and stronger legal enforcement, Bhutan can move toward becoming a more inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free society.
As Bhutan continues its journey toward gender equality, addressing eve teasing must be at the forefront of national conversations. It is not just an issue confined to urban areas or specific communities; it exists in subtle, often unseen ways across the country. By fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and open dialogue, the nation can work towards a safer, more inclusive environment for all its citizens.

The real challenge lies in confronting the mindset that minimizes eve teasing as “just a joke” and recognizing it for what it truly is-sexual harassment. Only with sustained effort, education, and accountability can Bhutan begin to eliminate this issue and ensure a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from harassment.