𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍- 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧?

As someone deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of our youth, I am compelled to address a pressing issue that has shaken our society to its core. The recent increase in rape cases involving young girls and the alarming number of unsolved rape and murder cases in Bhutan require our immediate attention and action.
This not only endangers our children’s safety but also erodes public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. Join me as I explore the public outcry, their demands for justice, and the potential paths we can take to ensure a safer future for our daughters. The escalating sexual violence against young girls in Bhutan is a tragic reflection of larger societal problems.

This trend has sparked widespread fear and outrage among the public, with many parents now constantly concerned about their children’s safety. Rape cases in the country have become a growing concern, with recent statistics and incidents indicating a troubling trend.

In 2021, 75 rape cases were reported across the country, with 55 minors becoming victims of this heinous crime. Given the small population size, these figures are staggering. In 2022, 112 incidents of sexual violence were reported in Bhutan. Sexual violence cases increased by 22.32 percent in 2023, with 137 reported cases, with Thimphu, the capital, bearing the majority of the burden.

There is a widespread call for better forensic tools and expertise to help resolve such cases. Recent cases include an investigation into a 13-year-old girl who was raped by a police personal and another 13-year-old’s alleged rape and murder in Thimphu in 2024, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the community’s concern.
A particularly harrowing case remains unsolved: an 8-year-old girl was brutally raped and murdered in Paro. This is not an isolated case; it is a sobering reminder of the systemic flaws that allow such heinous crimes to go unpunished. The lack of progress in resolving these cases has resulted in a significant drop in public trust in law enforcement and the legal system.

People are losing faith in the government and authorities’ ability to protect them and hold perpetrators accountable. The public overwhelmingly supports imposing harsher punishments for rapists. Many believe that the current legal penalties for rape are too lenient and fail to serve as an effective deterrent. Advocates are calling for stricter laws, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, to send a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our society.

In the recent rape and murder case of 13-year-old Sumitra Chhetri, her 20-year-old sister stated that her sister was tortured and murdered, and that the perpetrator should be harshly punished, or else other such people will be instigated to commit such crimes, believing that even after murdering someone, there is imprisonment and prison food provided.

The family claimed that even life in prison is insufficient punishment for the perpetrator. “He should be forced to go through my sister’s ordeal by being denied food for days, then stabbed and his wounds rubbed with salt and lemon,” she said. “Even killing him will not be enough,” she added.

Her determination has inspired many people to take up the fight against sexual violence, but it also emphasizes the importance of systemic change in addressing the underlying causes of the epidemic. Parents play an essential role in keeping their children safe, but they cannot do it alone. To make our young girls’ lives safer, all sectors of society must work together, including the government, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Looking at the current situation, it is clear that the government must take decisive action to restore public trust and ensure the safety of its citizens. This includes not only enacting stricter laws but also ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary training and resources to handle these cases effectively. The judiciary must also be held accountable for issuing prompt and just verdicts in cases involving sexual violence.

In my opinion, it is also critical to address the cultural and societal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence. To combat harmful stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and equality, we must work together. Community leaders, educators, and media outlets all play a role in shifting the narrative and creating a more inclusive and safe society for all. Fear and outrage are palpable, and the call for justice is loud and clear.

Furthermore, promoting comprehensive sex education programs that emphasize consent and respect can help prevent future incidents. Challenging harmful cultural attitudes and stereotypes while promoting a culture of respect and equality is necessary to effect long-term change. The rise in rape cases among young girls in the country is a crisis that must be addressed immediately and decisively. By addressing both the legal and cultural aspects of this issue, we can help build a safer and more just society for our daughters and future generations.

Pema Chenzom
Thimphu