Yenten Thinley
from Trongsa
Forty-two-year old Yangzom from Dungdung village in Langthel gewog, Trongsa, is the first female ever to contest for the gup’s post in the gewog.
She studied till class VI but later continued Non-Formal Education for two years.
“I was interested to run for the elections earlier but I did not have education,” says Yangzom. “I am the first female candidate and I am proud of this fact.”
However, after attending the leadership training provided by Bhutan Network for Empowering Women last year, she was more determined than ever before to take part in the election. “I gained some experience and this year I am running for the post of Gup,” says Yangzom.
She further said that women can be leaders too and that they have capabilities to become leaders at all levels. “People need to accept them,” she says, adding that her husband and family support her decision to run for the gup’s post. “In fact, my husband insisted I should contest for the Gup’s post.”
She feels there is a need to provide more training to women to encourage and inspire them to contest in local government elections.
If elected, Yangzom says she will serve the gewog with utmost dedication and commitment.
“I will ensure that Gewog Development Grant is efficiently used benefiting the communities,” she says.
