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

2. 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

3. 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 Violence against Women and Girls: Lessons from South Asia. South Asia Development Forum. Washington, DC: World Bank

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. GBV in Bhutan – VAW - Key findings
Violence among ever- partnered women aged 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 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. Going Forward NCWC Act Strong Legal and Policy Framework
NPAG (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 ( )
MDGs + SDGs
SDGs

12. Thank you