By Kinley C Tenzin | Programme/Communications
Social Protection Advocacy Event Highlights Inequities and Calls for Strategic Policies
On August 18, 2023, BCMD organised its 2nd advocacy on social protection, bringing attention of policymakers, parliamentarians, and public service providers to the issue.
The participants from marginalised sectors of society who had previously taken part in a Design Thinking workshop led by BCMD presented a policy brief capturing a series of recommendations tailored to uplifting their conditions.
Pressing issues such as unequal access to education, limited access to information and education, and the availability of essential public services were brought to the forefront. The event notably spotlighted gender inequalities and the complex challenge of social reintegration of some marginalised groups like recovering addicts. Notably, those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, caregivers, youth, and women faced significant social protection issues.
At the event, the Executive Director of Disabled People’s Organisation, highlighted the existing implementation gaps though the policy for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) 2019 touts collaboration between the government and financial institutions to ensure accessibility to financial services for PWD. A parliamentarian remarked that the event helped them understand the issues better as they got to interact with people who have first-hand experience of the issues.
The event raised several social protection-related issues faced by vulnerable groups and appealed to the government for necessary policy adoption. A policy brief on social protection is available at http://bcmd.bt/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Policy-Brief.pdf
Empowering Students on Children’s Rights During International Week of the Deaf at Wangsel Institute
During the International Week of the Deaf on 18th September 2023, BCMD had the privilege of joining hands with Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, Ministry of Education and Skills Development to conduct a sensitisation session on Children’s Rights and Responsibilities.
The two-hour-long session saw active participation from students, who enthusiastically shared their experience and insights on the topic. It was heartening to witness that the majority of the students unanimously agreed that no child should face discrimination when it comes to accessing and exercising their rights.
During this enlightening event, the children expressed their enjoyment and enthusiasm for the session. They even went a step further by expressing their desire to be included in future youth camps organised by BCMD.
BCMD has engaged participants from the institute in the past youth camps. Fostering an inclusive environment during BCMD events stands as one of the organisation’s core values, making this collaboration even more meaningful.
Empowering Bhutan’s Youth: BCMD’s Civic Education Workshops Inspire Good Governance and Inclusive Democracy
In a significant effort to promote good governance and strengthen inclusive democracy through civic education, Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD) organised a series of sensitisation workshops in Trashigang (Eastern District of Bhutan) on 18th -19th September and Samtse (Southern District of Bhutan)on 28th September 2023. These workshops, which included participation from 13 schools, including Sherubtse College, Draktsho East (Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth) and Samtse College of Education, attracted a total of 145 individuals, ranging from teachers to students including trainee teachers.
The core aim of these workshops was to cultivate a deep sense of civic responsibility and promote an environment of active and responsible participation among/by the youth of Bhutan in the country’s democratic process. To realise this goal, the workshops featured a series of five informative videos, each delving into pivotal subjects pertinent to the dynamics of a thriving democracy.
BCMD’s commitment to nurturing well-informed and actively engaged citizens represents a significant stride towards the cultivation of a vibrant and inclusive democracy in Bhutan. These initiatives equipped the younger generation with the essential tools, knowledge and skills required to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation, ultimately strengthening the foundations of good governance.
Find BCMD’s Civic resources online at (https://youtu.be/AVe617xPd2E?feature=shared )
Step-Down training on Sensitisation on Strengthening Good Governance and Inclusive Democracy
Following the sensitisation workshop on Strengthening Good Governance and Healthy Democracy, Further step-down workshops were carried forward by the student leaders, who had participated in these workshops held in Trashigang (Eastern District of Bhutan) on 18th – 19th September and Samtse (Southern District of Bhutan) on 28th September . The step-down workshops were organised within their respective schools.
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