GBV gender based violence BHUTAN Second Gender Focal Point Conference, 3-5 May 2017, Heritance Negombo, Sri Lanka

Outline/ key messages GBV in South Asia Global & Regional Context GBV in Bhutan Legal and Inst. Framework Studies and Assessments Key findings of VAW Study Concluding observations of CEDAW Key Interventions Way Forward

GBV in South Asia South Asia has the highest levels of excess female child mortality South Asia also has the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with 46 percent of girls married by age 18 Prevalence of intimate partner violence unacceptably high and is frequent, severe, and of multiple forms Given the early average age at marriage in much of South Asia, a great deal of this violence is experienced by married adolescents Attitudes toward domestic marital violence vary by the reason and the extent of violence Ref: Solotaroff, Jennifer L., and Rohini Prabha Pande. 2014. Violence against Women and Girls: Lessons from South Asia. South Asia Development Forum. Washington, DC: World Bank

Global and Regional Context The CEDAW holds SPs accountable for structural and systemic discrimination against women and imposes obligations to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in both the public and private spheres. SAARC Convention on Prevention and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution and the SAARC Convention on Regional Arrangement for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia in 2002 SAIEVAC (6 thematic areas) – child marriage; sexual abuse and exploitation; child labour; corporal punishment; and trafficking

GBV Bhutan – Legal & Inst. Framework The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 (articles 7,8,9) fundamental rights are equally bestowed on men and women; fundamental duties mandate every Bhutanese not to tolerate abuse of women; principles of state policies intend and guide actions to eliminate discrimination against women and children; and recognizes ratified international treaties like the CEDAW as a deemed law of the Kingdom. Guiding principle of GNH strives to create an environment wherein every man, woman and child is involved and benefits from development and growth. Child Care and Protection Act 2011; Child Adoption Act 2012; Domestic Violence Prevention Act 2013 Penal Code (Amendment Act) 2011 NCWC established in 2004 under the Ministry of Health: autonomous status in 2008

Studies & assessments Gender Pilot Study (2001) Study of Gender Stereotypes and Women’s Political Participation (Women in Governance) (2008). RENEW study on VAW in 2007. Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey Report (2010) Situation of Human Trafficking in Bhutan 2011 Violence Against Women in Bhutan Study 2012

GBV in Bhutan – VAW - Key findings Violence among ever- partnered women aged 15-49 was significantly higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas Emotional violence and physical violence by intimate partner were the main forms of violence experienced Women who experienced IPV were likely to experience controlling behavior by intimate partner The adolescent age group (15-19) and women aged 15-49 with lower levels of formal education were at higher risk of violence by intimate partner A large section of women thought it was acceptable for them to be subjected to violence by intimate partner Ref: VAW Study Bhutan, 2012

GBV in Bhutan – CEDAW observations Presented combined 8-9 Periodic Report to CEDAW in October 2016 Concluding observations on GBV: Establish specialized courts to address GBV Ensure that all cases of VAWG are thoroughly investigated Address women’s social acceptance of DV and the root causes of non- reporting Amend Section 22 of the DVPA 2013 Establish a coordinated multi-sectoral system of support services Develop clear plan & adequate budget for the DVPA 2013 (shelters) Strengthen capacities of law enforcement agencies on GBV (institutionalization & WCPUs)

GBV in Bhutan – Key Interventions Gender Focal Persons (national and LG levels) and GEG Women and Child Protection Units 2007 – Gender sensitive training & curriculum One Stop Crisis Centres Shelters CSOs – CBSS community based support system District Women and Child Committees & appointment of Protection Officers Family Bench 2016 SoPs and Accreditation & other Guidelines

GBV in Bhutan – Key Interventions Gender Equality Monitoring System Comprehensive Management and Information System Toll Free Helplines Gender Indicator handbook Collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data Capacity building Awareness & advocacy

Going Forward NCWC Act Strong Legal and Policy Framework NPAG 2008-2013(Revision) Effective institutional & coordination mechanism VAC Study Report 2016 Implementation of the 3 Acts to establish an effective and sustainable women & child protection system in Bhutan 11th FYP (2013-18) MDGs + SDGs SDGs

Thank you