Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck at the exhibition

The exhibition titled “A Tribute to Bhutanese Women” was inaugurated by Her Majesty, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, president and founder of the Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) and the exhibits were entries to a contest held by the organisation.

From about 500 entries six were awarded prizes. Dorji Wangchuk from the Bhutan Broadcasting Service won the first prize of Nu. 30,000, Dawa Penjor from the Ministry of Communications won the second prize of Nu. 20,000, Kuenga Tshering of Peljorkhang enterprise was awarded Nu.15,000 as the third prize. Two consolations and the president’s prize were also awarded by Her Majesty.

The winning entries were selected by a committee of experts based on composition, creativity and message content, according to the organisers.

The health secretary said that it was satisfying to pay tribute to the Bhutanese woman in all her manifestations.

The prize winner Dorji Wangchuk said that some of the photographs were very powerful, showing various perspectives of Bhutanese women’s role and status in society.

The exhibition was not only for the sole purpose of women empowerment but also a source for the participants creativity to flow. “The eyes of the camera can see many things” said a participant. “Such exhibitions should be held annually so that interested people can participate,” he added.

Although women in Bhutan enjoy equality in almost all spheres of life, they are vulnerable to discrimination said the education secretary, Pema Thinley. “Even in the most gender-equitable societies certain groups of women are vulnerable,” he said.

Health secretary, Dr. Sangay Thinley, also agreed that a subdued and indirect form of gender bias existed within the society as a consequence of change and needed to be eradicated.

Both secretaries expressed their gratitude to Her Majesty for the efforts made for the well being of the Bhutanese woman.

Founded by Her Majesty, RENEW as the name suggests, is dedicated to empower vulnerable women of the Bhutanese society so that they can emerge as socially and economically independent members of the society.

The photographs will be put up for sale at the VAST studio in Thimphu for five days starting today. The prize winning and other entries will be sold and 25 percent of proceedings from the photos that did not win will be given to the photographers as royalty.

Her Royal Highnesses Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck, Ashi Euphelma Choden Wangchuck, His Royal Highness Dasho Khamsum Singye Wangchuck, the Indian Ambassador, Mr. K.S. Jasrotia, Bangladeshi Ambassador, Mr. M.D. Enamul Kabir, representatives of UN agencies and senior government officials also witnessed the exhibition.