Empowering youths on social issues and mental health

Email

Bhutan conducted a youth program to tackle pressing issues such as adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), and mental health among young people.

Youth Conclave 2023 (Source: Kuensel)

To address urgent concerns related to adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), and mental health among young individuals, while also advancing gender equity and societal transformation, the Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion event occurred at the Royal University of Bhutan from August 29 to August 31.

The central aim of this event was to foster cooperation between policymakers and young adolescents to confront challenges connected to SRHR. Furthermore, the event aimed to distribute advocacy materials across different platforms, including social media.

During the youth conclave program, students hailing from Arura Academy, the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, the Faculty of Traditional Medicine, and Drukgyel Central School showcased advocacy materials.

Arura Academy students heightened awareness about escalating mental health issues encountered by adolescents, GBV, SRHR, and teenage pregnancy using impactful posters and captivating musical performances.

The event aimed to offer a platform for young individuals to express their viewpoints, build networks, forge solidarity for unified action, and, notably, perceive themselves as pivotal stakeholders in the decision-making process that addresses their own requirements, according to an official from RENEW.

Y-PEER members from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health addressed concerns related to LGBTQ+ matters, encompassing diverse gender identities, through a Pride Parade and Pantomime. These presentations emphasized the challenges of navigating a world that reinforces strict gender roles. Additionally, they employed posters to increase awareness about how GBV affects mental health.

The Faculty of Traditional Medicine engaged in discussions about the mounting problem of depression among adolescents and proposed solutions grounded in local healing methods, guided by the Sowa-Rigpa approach.

Drukgyel Central School contributed to the awareness campaign by displaying a comic book tackling GBV, a brief film exploring mental health, and a musical drama centered around adolescent SRHR.

Various activities like pantomime, poster displays, theatrical performances, and impromptu performances were organized around distinct thematic spheres connected to SRHR, GBV, and mental health. Panel discussions and open debates further enriched the event.

The event's intention was to equip young individuals with decision-making abilities, establish enduring partnerships with schools, and create a supportive environment for youth advocacy.

The event attracted a diverse array of participants, including students aged 16 and above from multiple schools in Thimphu, Paro, and Wangdue. Additionally, Queer Voices, PRIDE Bhutan, Y-PEER, Traditional Medicine students, Arura Academy, Druk Adolescents Initiative on Sexual Awareness Network members, Humans of Thimphu, and representatives from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health were in attendance.

This event, organized by RENEW, was made possible through collaborative endeavors involving Helvetas, Australian Aid, IPPF, Nyamdrel, the European Union, the Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Samuh, and MAVA (Men Against Violence and Abuse).

Article first published on Kuensel.



Related Posts

RENEW's Livelihood Project: Lighting up the lives of women

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck founded RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) in...

Jun 17, 2021 11:32

Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition Now Open to Public

'Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck

Sep 19, 2023 18:56

Bhutanese Students Get Ready to Compete In First Global Robotic...

Five students from Bhutan will compete in the First Global Robotic Competition in Singapore, which is themed Hydrogen...

Sep 14, 2023 13:51

Bhutanese actor raise awareness on climate change by cycling...

Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk launched The Messenger: Ride for Action, planting trees and talking to everybody.

Nov 25, 2022 15:18

Cordyceps Sinensis, the super mushrooms of Bhutan

Cordyceps Sinensis has many health benefits, which includes being an aphrodisiac.

Sep 25, 2022 16:50

The King of Bhutan regularly visits his people

The royals of Bhutan have an honourable legacy. Visiting their people is part of it.

Sep 25, 2022 16:35

Latest

News

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's Unofficial Trip to Singapore

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visits Singapore in September 2023.

Sep 18, 2023 10:11

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun welcomed their first royal princess

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema had welcomed their first daughter on the 9th September 2023.

Sep 12, 2023 20:48

Features

Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition Now Open to Public

'Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck

Sep 19, 2023 18:56

Bhutanese Students Get Ready to Compete In First Global Robotic Competition

Five students from Bhutan will compete in the First Global Robotic Competition in Singapore, which is themed Hydrogen Horizons, next month.

Sep 14, 2023 13:51

Business

Thimphu's Centenary Farmers Market Back in Business After Year-Long Revamp

The newly renovated market was inaugurated on 18 September 2023.

Sep 22, 2023 08:03

Payment gateway is a hurdle for digital freelancers in Bhutan

As the concept of digital freelancing gains traction in Bhutan, those engaged in this field are encountering challenges related to payment...

Sep 13, 2023 15:52

Sports

Historic hybrid chess tournament pits Bhutanese against American players

In the inaugural Bhutan and US Friendship Bridge Tournament on September 2, ten local chess players engaged in competition against...

Sep 12, 2023 11:05

Paro FC wins the 2022 BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC wins third Premier League title in nail biting fashion in final match of the season.

Jan 09, 2023 15:45

Travel

Bhutan's aviation pioneer: The story of Jamair and the early days of air travel

In 1952, Bhutan initially proposed the establishment of a fully equipped aerodrome in Punakha and the acquisition of a Dakota airplane.

Sep 13, 2023 11:15

A tale of two airports in Bhutan

As the slow pace towards a pre-pandemic world begins, two of the country’s domestic airports are going through their own challenges and...

Nov 03, 2022 16:30

Lifestyle

Crafting dreams in Laya: The carpenter settlers of the highlands

Laya, nestled in the Bhutanese highlands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Sep 12, 2023 11:28

Chillies, a spicy affair in Bhutan

The Bhutanese love it hot.

Jun 07, 2022 23:55

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!