LocationsThe Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) partners with UNDP to equip women Human Resources (HR) Officers from across government agencies to strengthen their digital skills, capabilities and leadership in digital transformation.
Bhutan trains women civil servants to lead gender-inclusive digital transformation
June 27, 2025
A total of 30 Human Resource Officers from various government agencies convened for a two-day ‘Women Digital Champions’ training, jointly organised by the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) and UNDP Bhutan.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
Some 30 HR Officers from various key government agencies attended the Women Digital Champion training led by the RCSC in partnership with the UNDP. The two-day training was part of a broader partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan and UNDP to accelerate inclusive public sector innovation through digital transformation.
Sonam Pelden Thaye, Director General of the Royal Civil Service Commission, called for stronger gender representation in digital transformation and emphasised the vital role of HR Officers in leading inclusive, tech-driven public service.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
“Digital transformation is a key priority for Bhutan, not only in the 13th Five-Year Plan but also in the 21st Century Economic Roadmap, where it is recognised as a strategic enabler for good governance and economic growth. But we cannot achieve inclusive digital transformation without equal gender representation. Women remain underrepresented in the digital and technology space — in Bhutan and globally — and this cannot continue. Technology is shaping our future, and we must ensure women are not left behind,” said Sonam Pelden Thaye, Director General of the Royal Civil Service Commission.
“This training empowered Bhutanese women civil servants to lead digital transformation, spark innovation, and challenge the status quo. As HR Officers, you sit at the intersection of people and systems — your role is critical in driving inclusive, digital-first governance. Let’s ensure digital innovation works for everyone, not just a few,” she emphasised.
Anna Ackermann, Digital Coordinator at UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, leads human-centred trainings on digital leadership and online safety. With a background in innovation and digital rights, Anna designs learning experiences that drive empathy and inclusive transformation.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
According to UNDP’s Human Development Report 2025, women make up about one-third of researchers in science. Yet, women account for only 12% of AI researchers and 30% of the global AI workforce.
In Bhutan, women hold only 38.34% in the technical services category in the public sector. In the private sector, too, men make up the vast majority of the digital workforce.
“This training has empowered me to actively support others — especially women — in navigating and leading digital spaces. I feel better equipped to promote inclusive leadership that values diverse voices, builds digital confidence, and fosters innovation.” — Deki Yangzom
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
A 2022 study on gender and climate revealed that only 11.6 per cent of the female respondents in the agriculture sector have access to climate-smart agriculture technology compared to 18.1 per cent of male respondents.
Nithima Ducrocq, Senior Learning Designer at UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, brings her experience in digital innovation and entrepreneurship to build the capacities of governments and UNDP teams. Based in Bangkok, she leads training on digital products, emerging tech, and innovation for development.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
And 2024 AI readiness assessment by the GovTech Agency and UNDP also revealed limited participation of women and other vulnerable groups in AI planning, design or decision-making. These disparities risk reinforcing gender biases in technology and limiting the potential of digital transformation to serve all citizens.
hurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan, delivering the opening remarks and setting the stage for two days of insightful learning and collaboration at the Women Digital Champions training.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
"As Bhutan embraces AI and digital innovation, we must focus on building systems where people and technology work together to meet real needs and development goals,” said Khurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan. “This requires investing in the right skills and leadership — especially among women — to drive equitable change.”
A young group of Human Resource offiecers presenting thier engaging dicussions.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
Led by UNDP’s global Digital Capacity Lab (DCL) and the Future Smart Initiative, the training focused on designing inclusive public services. It walked the participants through the benefits and risks of AI, including the growing concern around technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Participants identified key barriers and enablers for gender-inclusive digital policies and developed strategies to foster equitable digital access and participation.
The training featured icebreakers and interactive group sessions to ensure a meaningful, engaging, and collaborative learning experience for all participants.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
They were equipped with foundational knowledge of AI and online gender-based violence that will help them conceptualise impactful, citizen-focused interventions to leverage AI in fighting online gender-based violence. They will also co-develop action points to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in digital innovation.
The initiative will contribute towards the RCCS’s efforts to bridge existing digital capability gaps and build a digitally literate public sector capable of designing, implementing and sustaining innovative public services.
Note: This training is supported by the ‘Inclusive and Future Smart: Transforming the Public Sector for Improved Service Delivery’ project, funded by the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea via UNDP’s Global Funding Windows.
Participants received their certificates of participation from the Director General of the Royal Civil Service Commission, marking the successful completion of the Women Digital Champions training.
UNDP Bhutan/Karma Jamtsho
For more details, please contact:
Ms. Tshewang Lhamo, Gender Analysts| Email: tshewang.lhamo@undp.org
Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Communications and Partnerships Analyst | Email: dechen.wangmo@undp.org