Leading with Intregrity: Namgay is a role model for rural Bhutanese women

'I am pleased and really proud of how my leadership has encouraged women in my community to come forward and to participate. My work also made people realise the importance of diversity of voices in the decision-making rooms, particularly on the importance and value addition of women leaders,’ says Namgay Pelden.

Namgay is a local government leader in Dagana district of Bhutan. She was the first female Gup (local leader) to be elected at the sub-district level and is a role model for rural Bhutanese women. Her leadership style and efforts have inspired many women to take up decision-making roles and increased their confidence to participate and lead community development activities. Namgay plans to run for a third time in the upcoming elections.

Namgay prioritises gender equality and social inclusion and puts it at the forefront of her work. She led the construction of a breastfeeding room in her local government office for the convenience of working and visiting mothers. Under her leadership and together with the health sector, 98% of households in her local government area constructed a toilet, with particular emphasis on reaching people with disabilities.

Namgay organised annual health check-up camps for women in her sub-district who could not afford hospital visits. She also mobilised funds from her network to support children from households living in poverty to attend school.

Recognising and valuing the critical contributions of women as decision makers, stakeholders, educators, carers and experts across sectors and at all levels is key to a sustainable, climate-resilient future. Without their voices at the table, this won’t happen. That is why Australia supports gender equality and social inclusion through Water for Women. In Bhutan, we partner with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation to deliver inclusive, accessible and sustainable WASH services and programs, and working with and supporting women like Namgay, who are leading change within their communities.

Namgay's initiatives have helped to emphasise the importance of diverse voices in decision-making, including the value of women’s leaders. Namgay has played a significant role in challenging social norms that restrict rural women from participating in formal leadership, decision-making and other activities like sports which are traditionally male dominated.

‘For me, leadership means to lead by example and to have integrity. I keep in touch with the community people and participate in events and programmes at their homes to help maintain and nourish the relationships that support my work.’

This story was written by Avni Kumar and Diana Gonzalez Botero from ISF-UTS, with input from Tshering Choden, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor, SNV in Bhutan

It was originally published by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and is published here with permission. This version has been edited by Water for Women.

Photos: SNV / Tshechu Dorji