We were honored to meet with an inspiring group of leaders in Bhutan, including H.E. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan; H.E. Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Former Health Minister of Bhutan; and Dasho Dorji Choden, a trailblazing engineer and politician who became the country’s first democratically elected female minister, serving as Minister for Works and Human Settlement. Their leadership and presence were truly motivating.

We were also honored to meet H.E. Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.

The G100 Bhutan Meet & Greet Networking Luncheon at the Postcard Dewa in Thimphu brought together 100 esteemed leaders, including former ministers, university leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and youth from various sectors. This gathering showcased Bhutan’s unique approach to empowerment and happiness, highlighting its potential as a model for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment globally.

We were also joined by H.E. Dominique Hasler, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sport of Liechtenstein, who spoke on the significance of small countries and shared her experience coming from one herself.

We were delighted to welcome more male allies on this occasion, underscoring the rising interest and the important role of the G100 Denim Club in bridging gaps.

By embracing and learning from Bhutan’s unique cultural practices, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable communities. For instance, in Bhutanese society, women often play a significant role in property ownership and management, inheriting and owning land, property, and family businesses.

In many parts of Bhutan, the matrilineal inheritance system is a unique tradition where property, including land and assets, is passed down through the female line, typically from mother to daughter. This cultural practice has significantly contributed to the empowerment of women in Bhutanese society. By granting women ownership of land and other assets, this system provides them with economic opportunities and a sense of financial security. As a result, women in Bhutan often enjoy greater autonomy and decision-making power within their families and communities.

We also had a most inspiring meeting with H.E. Tshering Tobgay, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan. We submitted our recommendations from the G100, including inviting him to the G100 Denim Club and launching a global peace initiative through his partnership on the wing of World Peace led by H.E. Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Laureate 2015.

Our recommendations propose leveraging Bhutan’s unique model of mindfulness, happiness, and peace as a global benchmark, particularly through the measurement of Gross National Happiness. This approach could help mitigate pressing challenges like divisiveness and violence, positioning Bhutan as a key player in global recovery and resilience efforts—especially during these tumultuous times.

Another recommendation focuses on empowering entrepreneurship and ecosystems, with go-to-market strategies, digital integration, and global networking. In Bhutan, while women are thriving in business leadership and asset ownership, initiatives like ours and the SHEconomy app are the need of the hour. These tools can help further accelerate women’s economic progress by enabling global reach, digital outreach, and market integration.

Visiting the Parliament was a highlight, and we had the pleasure of meeting the Secretary General of the National Assembly. We learned about the existing gap in women’s political representation. Concrete steps must be taken to encourage the political participation of women, especially to enhance their representation as members of Parliament and ministers.

While challenges persist in women’s public leadership—much like in other parts of the world—a culture of mutual respect, environmental concern, and Buddhist values, combined with women’s economic leadership, enables Bhutanese women to address these challenges with spirit and strength. The bridge of solidarity is provided by growing women’s networks and global movements such as ours, enabling each one to be the harbinger of the change they wish to see.

We returned with beautiful memories from the mountain kingdom, reinforced in our mindfulness of others and a mindset of peace. Many new projects and collaborations began emerging, and we are hopeful of bringing the bliss and balance of Bhutan to the world.

As His Majesty the King—most loved and revered by the people of Bhutan—once aptly observed, the Bhutanese outlook and culture embody the qualities that make them SMART: Sincerity, Mindfulness, Astuteness, Resilience, and Timelessness. This profound approach to life is deeply influenced by monastic culture, the values of Buddhism, and a unique perspective that balances life’s vibrancy with the contemplation of mortality.

A new Mindfulness City is in the offing—a visionary project of His Majesty—creating a space for diverse offerings and broadening Bhutan’s international role. This vision is guiding many new policies and projects, particularly in promoting sustainable infrastructure and investments.

We extend our utmost gratitude to H.E. Dechen Wangmo, Former Health Minister of Bhutan, Head of The PEMA Secretariat, and G100 President Advisory Council member, for her gracious support throughout the organization of the meetings in Bhutan.

Together, we drive change as a global solidarity for gender equality. Together, we bridge all kinds of gaps—with our shared commitment and distributed leadership.

Convenor: Secretariat

Meetings led by: Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder, G100, along with Vinay Rai, Founder, Denim Club