March 21, 2025
THIMPHU – Despite efforts to integrate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) into the school system, deep-rooted cultural taboos and logistical hurdles continue to hinder its effectiveness.
A 2024 study found that nearly one in four students have never discussed sexuality or reproductive health at home, while only 29 percent believe gender-based violence is not justified.
The study, “Assessment of the Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Bhutan”, surveyed 42 teachers and 105 students across 21 priority schools last year across 20 districts. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CSE and its impact on students’ understanding of sexual and reproductive health.
The study findings reveal that 70.6 percent of students demonstrated a deeper understanding of CSE topics while 16.3 percent more students than before recognised the importance of values in shaping perspectives on sexuality. Additionally, 13.1 percent more students expressed confidence in engaging in discussions on sexual health.
However, despite these improvements, a significant proportion of students still hold outdated views on gender roles and violence, indicating the need for a more robust and widespread implementation of CSE.
Bhutan’s National Strategic Framework for CSE, introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, integrates sexual and reproductive health education into formal curricula and extracurricular activities.
The initiative aims to equip young people with essential knowledge about relationships, gender equality, and reproductive rights in a culturally sensitive manner. Yet, the study revealed that while CSE is included in the curriculum, its implementation remains uneven.
For teachers, confidence in delivering CSE lessons has improved, with 46.7 percent reporting greater ease in discussing sensitive topics. More teachers are also integrating values and attitudes into their lessons, and 25.6 percent have shown increased efficiency in conducting CSE classes.
However, a concerning issue is that while 95.6 percent of teachers are aware that CSE is included in the curriculum, only 73.3 percent actively teach it.
This gap is largely due to inadequate professional development. Only 22.2 percent of teachers have received formal CSE training, leaving many ill-equipped to navigate sensitive discussions.
Additionally, frequent teacher transfers disrupt programme continuity, as newly assigned educators often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to teach CSE effectively.
Cultural resistance continues to be one of the biggest barriers to CSE. Discussions around sexuality are still considered taboo in many communities, making it difficult for students to engage with the subject openly.
Teachers, too, face social stigma, with some reluctant to discuss reproductive health topics in detail.
Parents, who play a crucial role in reinforcing CSE outside of the classroom, often struggle with these conversations due to their own limited exposure to such discussions growing up. This creates a gap between what is taught in schools and what is reinforced at home, limiting the overall effectiveness of CSE.
In addition to cultural taboos, structural issues such as limited resources, lack of learning materials, and time constraints within the academic schedule also hinder effective CSE implementation.
Many schools, particularly those in remote areas, struggle to access trained personnel or adequate teaching materials. The study found that in some cases, CSE lessons were either rushed or sidelined in favour of other academic subjects.
Despite these challenges, CSE delivery has made commendable progress through partnerships, according to the study report.
The government, in partnership with organisations like RENEW, has been conducting training programmes for teachers to improve their ability to handle sensitive topics. Outreach efforts have extended CSE education to monastic institutions, ensuring a broader reach.
The study recommends several measures to improve the impact of CSE and to ensure the programme’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
The study recommends standardising CSE across all schools with clear policies and guidelines to ensure consistent delivery.
It also recommends greater investment in professional development, including interactive teaching methods like role-playing and group discussions to make lessons more engaging.
Highlighting the importance of engaging parents and families, the study recommends initiatives such as the Special Parenting Education Awareness programme to bridge the communication gap between parents and children.
To include out-of-school youth, alternative learning platforms and digital education resources need to be explored to expand CSE access beyond the classroom.
The study also recognises the need to strengthen collaboration between schools, healthcare professionals, and NGOs to ensure students receive comprehensive and accurate information from multiple sources. The report recommends regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress and identify areas for improvement.