The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay and the Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk met Aum Bida, Aum Nakum, Aum Denka and Tshogpa Galem transplanting rice while visiting Changkha village in Gaselo.
The PM said, “We felt compelled to dive in – disrupting their work more than helping them – after the ladies told us that men in their village did not transplant rice as it was considered below their dignity.”
The PM said that apparently this belief is quite common in other villages as well, allowing men to avoid the backbreaking work in the name of tradition.
“I’m hopeful that our youth are more understanding. I’m hopeful that all older students – girls as well as boys – help their parents with farm work during their summer holidays. And I’m hopeful that they do not perpetuate gender bias in their villages,” Lyonchhen said.
