Shared tasks but unequal burdens: Gender, agriculture and empowerment in Bhutan

Abstract

Women play a crucial role in the agricultural economy of Bhutan. Constituting almost half of the national population, women are central to a sector that provides 57% of national employment. Despite remarkable progress in closing gender gaps in education, gender inequality persists due to traditional socio-cultural norms and a lack of clear understanding of common but differentiated gender roles at the household level. The paper argues that whilst men and women in Bhutan jointly participate in many agricultural production and socio-political activities, women are disproportionately burdened by reproductive and unpaid household chores (their “triple role”). This restricts their participation in policymaking, leadership development, and entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby hindering their overall empowerment. We used the Harvard gender analytical framework, using tools 1 and 2 for mapping the activity profiles and access to and control of land and natural resources, respectively. In addition, we used Moser’s framework to identify critical gender needs and strategic priorities. We collected data and information at the household level using individual interviews and at community level using group interviews. We found that productive, reproductive, and socio-political activities were often jointly done by men and women. However, women overwhelmingly undertake vegetable cultivation, agricultural marketing, reproductive tasks, and unpaid domestic household chores. Whilst formal access to land and natural resources and their benefits appeared equal, practical control, particularly over land-based decisions and off-farm benefits, often favoured men. Women’s practical needs were similar to men’s, whilst women’s strategic needs differed. Women prioritise better education and health, whilst men prioritise farm roads and solar/electric fences to deter wild animals.