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 2004.

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

RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and children in Bhutan, with specific attention to the survivors of domestic violence (DV) and Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). 

Rarely is a battered woman accustomed to managing her life, let alone her own money. When a woman goes to RENEW, she will first be given counselling followed by the support to learn skills through the Livelihood Project programs.

While they are undergoing training, RENEW continues to provide on-going support and guidance to ensure the viability of the group and personal business plans, life skills counselling, career guidance and life skill education.

One of the key factors keeping women in vulnerable situations is financial dependence and insecurity. These contribute to many women returning to their abusive relationships to meet their basic needs. 

Even if a woman who has been a victim of domestic violence summons the courage to leave her highly insecure situation, her options for a better life are limited. She either often has at least one dependent child, is not employed outside of the home, has no property solely hers or lacks access to cash in hand. In most cases, many of these women knock on RENEW's door with only the clothes they are wearing. 

Recognizing that economic instability is a link that binds a woman to her abuser, RENEW Livelihood Project was established with the aim to provide appropriate and sustainable skills training that lead to income generation and greater financial independence.

A Handicraft Training Unit was established in 2008 as a reintegration program, especially for women and girls who are subjected to domestic violence and gender-based violence. Since then until 2018, the project focused on teaching sewing, advanced sewing, machine embroidery and food production (making ginger candy, amla candy and pickles). 

Over the years, RENEW learnt of the women’s interest in learning skills in different areas such as beauty parlour, baking, repairing electronic appliances, etc. From 2019 onwards, organized skills training on need is based on other trade opportunities depending on resource availability. Over 600 women and girls had undergone the training to date. 

With the new skills acquired, the trainees have improved their income. Based on interviews done by RENEW as part of their monitoring process on 18 former basic tailoring groups, 79% of all trained women have started to get regular income with their new skills. 

The Livelihood Project also takes on projects from other corporations and outsources these projects to the women. In Thimphu, 15 women are actively engaged in their personal projects and projects outsourced by RENEW. They are provided with raw material to reduce the hassle of having to look for suppliers. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they are undertaking projects for stitching facemasks. 

Another project in progress that they take pride in is producing Magic Bag for the Early Childhood and Development Care Centers (ECDCC) in rural centers of Save the Children. They are making the contents of the Magic Bag, such as stacking rings, flashcards, soft toy, storybook, etc.

To celebrate the additional crafts created by RENEW-trained women, the RENEW Souvenir Shop — a weaving center and store in support of the Livelihoods Project — is opened next to RENEW's office to sell their unique, high-quality products. All proceeds directly benefit the women artisans to ensure the continued development of their skills and livelihoods.

Through increasing livelihood opportunities, women gain confidence in their ability to improve their lives and reduce the possibility of reconciling with an abusive partner.

The Livelihood Project is currently active in seven Dzongkhags (provinces) and aims to provide these services in all twenty Dzongkhags of Bhutan gradually.

To support the women in the form of finance and resources so that they have a chance to change the course of their life, you can contact RENEW at renewbht@gmail.com



Related Posts

RENEW and Ministry of Education collaborate to improve menstrual...

On May 11 2021, Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) and Ministry of Education signed a memorandum of...

May 12, 2021 14:43

Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck delivered keynote...

Queen Mother Gyalyum Sangay Choden delivered a keynote address at the 54th session of the Commission on Population and...

Apr 21, 2021 14:53

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in...

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness

Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal...

May 28, 2025 16:38

Lost & Found: Bhutanese Textiles at Melbourne Design Week 2025

Bhutanese designer Chandrika Tamang brings Lost & Found to Melbourne Design Week 2025, showcasing traditional Bhutanese...

May 16, 2025 18:23

Bhutan’s Secret: The World’s Most Exquisite Hazelnuts

Discover Bhutan’s hidden gem: the world’s most exquisite hazelnuts grown at the highest orchards on Earth. Sustainably...

May 02, 2025 11:00

Latest

News

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Gyalsung Skilling Programme Prepares 493 Gyalsups for National Service and Future Careers

Bhutan’s Gyalsung Skilling Programme equips 493 Gyalsups with hands-on training in traditional arts and modern technologies, preparing them...

Jun 12, 2025 15:52

Features

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in Tourism

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers through sacred...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness

Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal passions, and heartfelt...

May 28, 2025 16:38

Business

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

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

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

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more secure for...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International Awards

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards, celebrating a fresh...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

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

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