Bhutan Democracy Forum 2026: Women Leading the Way
15 September 2026 · Thimphu
On the International Day of Democracy, BCMD convened the Bhutan Democracy Forum 2026 on ‘Strengthening Inclusive Governance through Women’s Leadership’, with Hon’ble Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, Minister for Education and Skills Development, as Chief Guest. The Forum brought together 47 women, 15 serving local government representatives and 32 aspiring leaders, with Members of Parliament, government agencies, civil society, media and development partners.
Across three panels, gups, mangmis and aspiring candidates discussed policy and legal frameworks, campaign financing and the FLT, childcare and family responsibilities, mobility, and how communities see women in leadership, drawing on BCMD’s 2026 Needs Assessment on Women’s Participation in Local Governance.
Supported by International IDEA.