Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs to propose for women’s chamber

Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs  to propose for women’s chamber

Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs to propose for women’s chamber

The two-day seminar on developing “ Effective policies for women entrepreneurship in the SAARC region” which saw women entrepreneurs from the eight member states ended Friday here in the capital.

Lyonpo Domchoe Dorj, the foreign affairs minister, in his keynote address said that the engagement of women entrepreneurs in mainstream economy is literally low in South Asia and that the need for framing policies to facilitate women in this sector was of immense value.

“The government is initiating rural banking and entrepreneurships programmes and micro-level financing through various revolving funds. And about 47% beneficiaries of these schemes are women,” lyonpo said.

The seminar, according to the secretary to the government of Nepal Yam Kumari Khatiwada, would give that much needed impetus to women SDFs in the region by means of adopting women-friendly legislations and identifying other key areas of development in bolstering the growth of women entrepreneurs in the region.

“We hope that the seminar will come up with concrete resolutions to further women entrepreneurs in the SAARC region,” Khatiwada said, adding that Nepal is also making headways for women representation in all level of decision making, starting from the local governance where they have seats reserved for women.

The participants also talked about the possibilities of developing a SAARC women’s bank, with regional offices in all member states, and development of a database of women entrepreneurs in the region to facilitate women SMEs in the region.

The CEO of Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) Damchae Dem said that the meet was of immense value to Bhutan as it opened avenues for Bhutanese women SMEs for further growth in the region.

“We will also propose for a women’s chamber which has become the need of the hour,” Damchae Dem said, adding that Bhutanese women never felt the need for the establishment of a chamber as gender sensitivity in Bhutan was, and is, still non existent.

A participant from Maldives said that it is time that Bhutan establish a women’s chamber as it would become a nodal agency for other international agencies, including donor agencies, to intervene should any issues related to women entrepreneurs rise.

“Women chambers have been very effective in addressing pertinent issues facing women SMEs and other problems of concern in SAARC member countries,” the participant said.

Pushpa Chettri, an entrepreneur based here in Thimphu, said that they will propose the establishment of a Bhutan women’s chamber to the government and was hopeful that it would materialize soon.

Among many other pertinent issues facing women in the SAARC region today, participants said that women entrepreneurs, though provided with a platform, was still faced with numerous challenges like social and cultural stigmas and non-availability of a level playing field.

“Though there are regulations at place there still was the need to frame specific policies for women entrepreneurs as there are still no specific womencentric financial platforms both country-wise and the region as a whole,” a participant from Sri Lanka said.

According to her, the member states could look at possibilities to open up showrooms in all member states that can be used as an outlet for displaying products from different women entrepreneurs across the region so that the entrepreneurs get a platform to market their products.

A representative from the Indian delegate said that they would look at avenues to open up a Bhutan stall in New Delhi that can be used by women exporters from Bhutan to showcase their products.

The participants also deliberated on the possibility of introducing a one tax scheme for all member states and the establishment of a SAARC women bank among others to facilitate better trade and help women SMEs to avail loans and other financial schemes.

The seminar also focused on issues to improve access to market information, establishing specific economic policies for women SMEs, simplifying the process of registering their business and building more avenues to avail loans and financial support for their businesses.

Apart from establishing a women’s chamber in Bhutan, the seminar recommended that a women representative of South Asian Women’s Development Forum (SAWDF) be appointed in the SAARC Technical committee and the establishment of a SAARC Women’s Bank with regional offices in all member states.

The seminar, hosted by BAOWE, was organized by SAWDF with technical assistance from the World Bank, International Labour Organization and the Australian Bank.

 

 

Related Posts

Drukair Launches Bespoke Crew Necktie and Scarf Designed by...

Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines unveils an exclusive crew necktie and scarf designed by world-renowned French designer...

Oct 17, 2025 06:44

Bhutan Makes History as the World’s First Nation to Launch a...

Bhutan becomes the first country in the world to anchor its National Digital Identity (NDI) system on the Ethereum...

Oct 15, 2025 06:22

Bhutan’s King Launches Pelsung: Guardians of Prosperity

His Majesty The King launched Pelsung — Guardians of Prosperity — on the 7th October, 2025. Pelsung is a new national...

Oct 08, 2025 09:57

Overview of Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Plan Implementation

Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Plan launched in 2024 focuses on reviving key sectors with loans and programs to boost jobs...

Oct 07, 2025 17:45

Royal Textile Academy Unveils Bold Innovations for Bhutanese...

The Royal Textile Academy has unveiled four innovative prototypes to preserve Bhutanese weaving traditions through...

Oct 02, 2025 09:58

A Historic First: Bhutan Debuts at Milan Fashion Week

Bhutan made history at Milan Fashion Week with its debut capsule collection, showcasing the iconic Kushuthara reimagined...

Sep 29, 2025 10:20

Latest

News

Drukair Launches Bespoke Crew Necktie and Scarf Designed by Christian Louboutin

Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines unveils an exclusive crew necktie and scarf designed by world-renowned French designer Christian Louboutin....

Oct 17, 2025 06:44

Bhutan Makes History as the World’s First Nation to Launch a National Digital ID on Ethereum

Bhutan becomes the first country in the world to anchor its National Digital Identity (NDI) system on the Ethereum blockchain. The historic...

Oct 15, 2025 06:22

Features

Desuups- The Guardians of Peace

Desuups program first started in 2011 under the patronage of His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan. So far 4,457 Bhutanese have trained as...

Oct 14, 2025 16:18

Passion and Purpose: Rinzin’s 20-Year Journey with Zhiwaling

Zhiwaling is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, we have interviewed Rinzin — who has been with...

Sep 24, 2025 17:18

Business

Lee Kum Kee Expands Global Culinary Initiative to Bhutan

Lee Kum Kee launches its Global Culinary Immersion Programme in Bhutan, empowering Bhutanese youth through hands-on culinary exchange,...

Oct 14, 2025 07:12

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Sports

NBA Stars Visit Bhutan: A Historic Slam Dunk for Local Basketball

For the first time in history, four NBA players have visited Bhutan, igniting nationwide excitement and inspiring a new generation of...

Aug 05, 2025 10:10

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Tourism

Bhutan Rises to Fourth in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Countries List

Bhutan ranks fourth in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Countries in the World list, celebrated for its serene landscapes, Gross National...

Oct 07, 2025 18:27

Bhutan Introduces National Monument Ticketing System for Seamless Visitor Experience

Bhutan has launched a new National Monument Ticketing System, allowing tourists to book entry tickets online for a smoother and more...

Sep 25, 2025 16:08

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

GMC

Three New Sacred Projects Endorsed by His Majesty The King for Gelephu Mindfulness City

His Majesty The King has granted Royal Approval for three new spiritual projects under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), including Druk...

Oct 17, 2025 07:07

Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche Visits Pemaling for the Kurkulee Centre Site Inspection

A living mandala is taking shape in Gelephu. Led by Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche, the Kurkulee Centre will stand as a sacred anchor of the...

Oct 06, 2025 13:56

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app