Honouring a Legacy: Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck’s 25 Years as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador
On International Women’s Day, March 8, Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck was honoured by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for her remarkable 25-year tenure as the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador to Bhutan.
The award was presented by Pio Smith, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, during a ceremony at the Royal Institute of Management in Thimphu.
Her Majesty was appointed as the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 1999 and has since dedicated over two decades to championing the rights of women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable in Bhutanese society. She has travelled extensively across the country, engaging with communities, understanding their struggles, and tirelessly advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
In his address, Pio Smith praised Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment, highlighting her pivotal role in Bhutan’s progress towards gender equity.
“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate Her Majesty’s extraordinary contributions,” Pio Smith said. “Her Majesty has played a key role in changing social norms, fighting gender-based violence, and strengthening legal protections for women. Thanks to her efforts, issues once considered taboo are now openly discussed, leading to policy changes and greater public awareness.”
One of Her Majesty’s most impactful initiatives was the establishment of RENEW, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls by equipping them with skills, confidence, and essential support.
With support from UNFPA, RENEW serves as a sanctuary for survivors of violence, offering them hope and a safe space to rebuild their lives.
Even after 25 years of advocacy, Her Majesty remains steadfast in her mission to create a society free from violence and discrimination. Her work continues to inspire individuals and institutions to advance the cause of gender equality and justice.
Furthering this commitment, Her Majesty also launched Bhutan’s National Strategy and Framework of Action on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (2024-2028) at the event.
Developed by the National Commission for Women and Children in collaboration with UNFPA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), this strategy outlines a clear path to combat gender-based violence and foster a safer Bhutan for women and girls.
A 2019 study revealed that two in five Bhutanese women experience some form of partner violence, with more than half believing it is sometimes justified. Additionally, exposure to violence during childhood was found to increase the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating violence in adulthood.
The ceremony also marked other significant milestones, including the launch of picture books on sexuality education for primary school children and a video promoting fair treatment of LGBT+ individuals under the UN Free and Equal campaign.
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, senior government officials, and community representatives. Women and youth leaders—many of whom have been part of Her Majesty’s 25-year journey—were also present, celebrating her enduring legacy in advancing women’s rights in Bhutan.
