According to the report, handmade carpets, or Dramtse dhen, are an alternative source of income for women in Cha-Ngar-Zam village of Bhutan’s Zhemgang district. A group of twelve women, working in a traditional Dramdhen unit, weave carpets of all sizes and designs. The traditional Dramdhen unit not only earns profit but also helps empower rural women.
The women were trained in carpet weaving by the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan in 2021. Their handwoven carpets are of fine quality, and the group also uses locally sourced materials. Though the group is working in full force, their products have yet to capture the market. “Right after our training and setting up of this unit, we could not start our production due to the pandemic. We had to keep a long gap in between,” said Tsezom, a member.
“Having the skill and experience, I would say it will benefit us a lot as it fetches a good price in the market, and I am sure it will benefit us,” said Lungten Dema, another member, as told by The Bhutan Quoted by Live Despite the promise of good profits, the members say that a lack of proper space to house their production unit is hampering their work. The present structure is government owned and is not in good condition.
A new centre is under construction below the current location. Members are hoping to increase production when they move to the new structure. “The existing structure belongs to the government, and it is very inconvenient and difficult for us during the rainy season as rainwater seeps inside the open space,” Tsezom said.
“Let’s see after the completion of the ongoing construction of our unit. We will sell our products through a group bank account and not individually,” said Tsewang Lhamo, a member, as quoted by Bhutan Live. According to the villagers, some youths are coming back to the village to learn rug weaving. The Handicrafts Association of Bhutan provided weaving equipment and established the traditional Dramdhen unit in 2021.
Theb Bhutan Live recently reported that the completion of a nine kilometre long agricultural road has improved the lives of people in Bhutan’s Yujug village. This village is one of the most remote villages in Singye Gewog. According to The Bhutan Live, access to an agricultural road contributes to increased farm income and easier marketing of agricultural produce, thereby enhancing the quality of rural life.
Yejug village, located about 20 km from Sarpang district in Bhutan, is cut off due to a lack of road. But with the completion of the first cut, people say that their lives have become convenient and eas