Bhutan continues to stand out for its strong tradition of women’s empowerment. In many families, women inherit property, make key household decisions, and often become the heads of their families. In some rural communities, women account for up to 60% of landowners and actively participate in local governance.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Women are still underrepresented in politics and government, and many continue to shoulder most household responsibilities. Limited access to education in the past and traditional gender roles have slowed their progress in leadership.
However, Bhutan has made significant strides in recent years. Girls’ school enrollment now exceeds that of boys, more women are entering public office, and female participation in national elections continues to rise. While gender equality is still a work in progress, Bhutan is steadily moving toward a more inclusive future.