Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership
Female Ministers of the
Kingdom of Bhutan/ Druk-yul (Realm of the Dragon) (Female Suffrage 1953/89 (First Female Member of the
National Council in 1979)) An
absolute Monarchy gradually becoming more
constitutional and in 2008 it will become a full parliamentary
democracy. The draft constitution also introduces limited female succession to
the throne (princes have presidence over princesses)
Also see Bhutan Heads of State
1972 (22.4-24.7) Regent Queen Ashi
Kesang of Bhutan
She was appointed regent during the Illness of her husband, King Druk Gylapo
Jingme Dorje Wngchuck (1959-72). Their son King Jingme Singye Wangchuk
(1955/1972- ), succeeded him at the age of 17. (1930-)
1974-89 and
1991-96 King's Representative in
the Ministry of
Finance H.R.H. Ashi Sonam Chhoden Wangchuck
1991-94 and 1997-98 King's Representative in the Ministry of Agriculture
1992-97 Second in the Cabinet
1996-97 Special Advisor in the Ministry of of Finance
1997-98 King's Representative in the Ministry of Agriculture
1998 Chair of Council of Ministers
The Princess has been chairperson of the Royal Insurance Corporation since 1975, Druk Air from 1980,
the National
Women's Association from
1981, the Royal Civil Service
Commission 1982-91, the Royal Monetary Authority since 1982. Sister of the King,
who was Chairman of the Council of Ministers until 1998, divorced from Dasho
Thinley Dorji and mother of two children. (b. 1953-)
1976-85 King's Representative in the Ministry of
Development H.R.H. Ashi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck
1985 Representative in Ministry of Agriculture, Communication and Tourism
1992-98 King's Representative in Ministry of Communication
1994-97 King's Representative in Ministry of Agriculture
Vice-Chairperson of the Planning Commission 1971-72, married to
Dasho Tshering Wangda
and mother of two children.
(b, 1954-)
1980-86
King's
Representative in the
National Council for Social and Cultural Promotion
Married to Andee Barun Gurung and
mother of one daughter (b. 1959-).
2013- Minister of Works and Human Settlement
MP from 2013. Elected President of the Druk
Nyamrup Tshogpa party earlier in 2013, buth wen it did not qualify for the
elections and she ran as a candidate for the People's Democratic Party and won
by a large margin.
Last update 13.08.13