40th Drukrig Colloquium

Articulating the Role of Land in Relation to Rural Bhutanese Women

Date : October 18, 2023

This session explores the pivotal role that land plays in the lives of rural Bhutanese women, focusing on its connection to their social, economic, and cultural well-being. In Bhutan, land is not only a source of livelihood but also a central element of identity, inheritance, and community cohesion. For rural women, land is integral to their day-to-day responsibilities, including farming, food security, and maintaining the household economy.

The discussion highlights how land ownership, access, and control significantly impact rural women's autonomy and decision-making power. Despite the key role that women play in agricultural activities, their ownership rights to land have historically been limited or influenced by patriarchal norms. This session examines how these dynamics are evolving, especially as Bhutan has made strides toward gender equality and the empowerment of women in recent decades.

Additionally, the session addresses the challenges that rural Bhutanese women face in relation to land, such as limited access to land titles, the impact of land fragmentation, and the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity. The discussion also explores how cultural values surrounding land and nature intersect with modern policy initiatives aimed at improving land tenure and women's rights.

By articulating the multifaceted relationship between rural women and land, the session offers a deeper understanding of how land-related issues influence the lives of women in Bhutan's rural communities and the ongoing efforts to empower them for more sustainable and equitable futures.

Speakers
Yedzin Tobgay

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