[{"bbox": [96, 153, 1135, 444], "category": "Text", "text": "The December 2021 **Local Development Planning Manual** (LDPM) requires a participatory and objective approach to the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of LG plans. Gender analysis is expected to guide the integration of gender equality issues during the planning, prioritisation and budgeting process¹⁷. A **Mainstreaming Reference Group** (MRG) was instituted in 2012 to support mainstreaming of five cross-cutting issues, including gender, in policies, plans and programmes at all levels of the government and NGOs. However at present, the MRG is only present in a few Dzongkags. The GNHC confirmed its plan to reinvigorate this group. Capacity building directed towards MRGs and LGs would enhance the prospects for a more effective mainstreaming of gender issues at local level with a view to boost women's political and socio-economic participation at local level as well as addressing key barriers to women empowerment."}, {"bbox": [96, 470, 1135, 876], "category": "Text", "text": "The **National Commission for Women and Children** (NCWC) was established in 2004 as the national machinery to take the lead in promoting and protecting the rights of women and children in Bhutan and became a fully autonomous agency in 2008. The key focus of the NCWC is to establish a sustainable and comprehensive system to mainstream, protect and promote the rights of women and children in Bhutan. The Women's Division focuses on women's empowerment by coordinating and monitoring activities related to women's rights and gender equality. NCWC is also involved in implementing targeted gender specific interventions as well undertaking awareness raising activities/campaigns with a view of addressing gender stereotypes and norms. The NCWC has established a network of Gender Focal Points (GFP) in various agencies of the government and non-government sectors. This network is a key operational element of the Women's Division in mainstreaming gender and child issues at both formulation and implementation stages of sector/issue specific plans, policies and programs. The NGEP recognises the need for strengthening the technical capacities of the GFPs in particular in mainstreaming gender into climate change policies and actions. Although a capacity need assessment of the NCWC has not been done, the organisation acknowledges the need for technical support with a view to:"}, {"bbox": [135, 876, 1135, 963], "category": "List-item", "text": "(i) Develop the capacity of NCWC to enhance the quality of its support (technical assistance, advisory role) towards gender focal points, mainstreaming reference groups, local governments, line ministries/agencies and its engagement with non-state actors;"}, {"bbox": [135, 963, 1135, 1048], "category": "List-item", "text": "(ii) Strengthen the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) monitoring framework/system and support the evaluations of policy and tools (including for the 13th FYP);"}, {"bbox": [135, 1048, 1135, 1108], "category": "List-item", "text": "(iii) Enhance the engagement with media and general public towards addressing socio-cultural perception and gender norms"}, {"bbox": [85, 1147, 878, 1178], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.3 Additional Areas of Assessment [For Budget Support Actions only]"}, {"bbox": [115, 1193, 1108, 1224], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.3.1 Pre-condition on Fundamental Values [For a Sustainable Development Goals Contract only]"}, {"bbox": [96, 1239, 143, 1264], "category": "Text", "text": "N/A"}, {"bbox": [115, 1313, 326, 1343], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.3.2 Public Policy"}, {"bbox": [96, 1403, 1165, 1550], "category": "Text", "text": "The country's development is managed through **Five-Year Plans** founded on the principle of **Gross National Happiness**, aiming at citizens' wellbeing instead of quantitative GDP values. The objective of Bhutan's 12th FYP (2018-23) is strongly anchored around a '*Just, Harmonious and Sustainable Society through enhanced decentralisation*' underpinned by the principle of leaving no one behind. The key focus of the 12th FYP is on addressing poverty, reducing inequality, promoting economic growth, and"}, {"bbox": [85, 1620, 817, 1646], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹⁷ Gender is mainstreamed along Environment, Climate, Disaster and Poverty (GECDP)"}, {"bbox": [1037, 1680, 1143, 1705], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 9 of 39"}]