Former journalist, Chador Wangmo, 31, is the lone female candidate standing for the  upcoming National Council (NC) election from Dagana.

She will contest against 20 male candidates.

Chador Wangmo said that people in rural areas think men are more capable than women. “I want to change the mindset and be an example for other women.”

She, however, knows it will be a challenge.

She said the government was spending a lot to educate women and encourage women to participate in elections.

The mother of one said that His Majesty described democracy not just as a gift from the throne, but also as collective responsibility to strengthen the nation.

Claiming that people of Dagana didn’t get any choice during the 2013 NC elections as there was only one candidate, Chador Wangmo said she decided to contest to give people a choice.

She will be contesting from Khagochen village in Karna Gewog.

With a degree in Business Administration from North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong, India, she worked as a reporter for Bhutan Observer, a private newspaper for a year, then as a manager in the hospitality industry and marketing head for an event management company.

“Many developmental activities have been already undertaken, but there are lots of issues that need to be addressed,” she said

She is currently on a familiarisation tour. She is also compiling documents to submit to the election commission.

Nirmala Pokhrel | Tsirang