The members of the Legislative Committee (LC), Women, Children  and Youth Committee (WCYC)  and Human Rights and Foreign Relations Committee (HRFRC) met with NCWC consultant Mr. Tenzin Chhoeda and his team on  the  National Strategy and Framework of Action to eliminate Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Bhutan. 

The NCWC  highlighted that gender-based violence (GBV) has become a pressing issue affecting everyone, regardless of age, gender, family, community, or society. They reported that two in five women in the country have experienced intimate partner violence, often linked to social factors such as religion, beliefs, and culture. They proposed a strategy with four pillars: prevention, supporting survivors, creating enabling environments, and research and data collection.

During the  discussions, the Committee Members recommended enhancing the strategy by identifying and addressing specific gaps through further research and detailed studies. Members emphasized the need for more comprehensive information to garner support and implement effective laws. Members also noted a current focus on victims rather than addressing root causes for prevention, along with a lack of effective awareness and the need to re-examine the strategies and bring behavioral change in the public. 

The NCWC is currently carrying out  stakeholders meetings with key stakeholders  on the development of the National Strategy and Framework of Action to eliminate Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Bhutan.