Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck is in Tsirang for a high-level advocacy programme to advocate and create awareness on women and girls’ empowerment, and their Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Her Majesty met with the students of Damphu today and shared with them the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. Her Majesty is the Royal Patron of the Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) and the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund.
This morning, Her Majesty interacted with students and staff of Damphu Central School and Damphu Middle Secondary School including 26 students with disabilities.
Officials from RENEW, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Ministry of Health conducted interactive sessions with the students on public health. They also discussed Comprehensive Sexuality Education or CSE, where concepts on gender, gender-based violence, cultures and values, were discussed in detail.
According to a press release from RENEW, there are huge concerns around rising teenage pregnancy, suicides, drug abuse and gender-based violence, and school dropout among youth.
The Department of Education Programmes also presented both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance the overall health and well-being of students.
As a long-term strategy, Comprehensive Sexuality Education has been integrated into the seven subjects of the national school curriculum since 2021. This has enabled students to access scientifically accurate and age-appropriate information on SRHR, engaging them in conversations on gender equality, relationships and consent.
This effort is already displaying positive impacts on their behaviours. The education ministry is also currently working on having health and wellbeing focals in all schools, mentee programme, school parenting programme and e-counselling services among others.
“CSE holds immense significance for youth. It offers you the right tools to prevent unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Equally important, it equips you to cultivate healthy relationships and lead values filled with happiness and fulfilment. Our youth deserve access to comprehensive information that is relevant to their lives and helps them make informed choices. Remember the knowledge you are gaining through the CSE programme is incredibly important for your growth and well-being.”
Her Majesty the Queen Mother also visited Tsirang Hospital and interacted with health staff and patients.
Yesterday evening, Her Majesty met with the Multi-Sectorial Task Force, the Community-Based Support System and the local leaders. The meeting was to streamline the network of the MSTF, the CBSS and the Druk Adolescent’s Initiative on Sexual Awareness Network in all 20 districts.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
