2025-01-19-世界银行-了解不丹青年在获得就业机会方面的挑战和制约因素（英）_24页_423kb

Summary of Bhutanese Youth Employment Challenges Report

Objective: To understand the challenges and constraints faced by Bhutanese youth and women in accessing employment opportunities across the three economic sectors: services, industry, and agriculture.

Key Findings:

1. Educational Deficiencies and Skill Gaps:

   • Curriculum Alignment: The education system does not adequately prepare students for the changing world due to a gap between theoretical subjects and practical skills required in the job market.
   • Entrepreneurship Skills: Although entrepreneurship is gaining attention in curricula, there is a lack of formal mentorship and exposure for students to develop these skills independently.
   • Gender Disparities: STEM fields face significant gender bias, with fewer females pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) due to social stereotypes.
   • Inclusive Education: Students with disabilities often face barriers in accessing inclusive education, limiting their participation in the workforce.

2. Facilities and Support for Female Employees:

   • Childcare Lack: The absence of childcare facilities at workplaces makes it difficult for women employees, especially mothers, to balance work and family responsibilities.
   • Maternity Support: Extended maternity leave and allowances are considered insufficient and do not address long-term childcare needs adequately.
   • Health Risks: Women face higher health risks and mortality, with limited social protection.
   • Gender Pay Gap: A significant gender pay gap exists, with females earning less than males in comparable roles.

3. Climate Change Impacts:

   • Increased Workload: Women bear a larger share of unpaid household and care work, and climate-related disasters further exacerbate this burden, especially in rural areas.
   • Resource Scarcity: Changing climatic conditions lead to water scarcity and increased health risks, affecting women’s ability to engage in income-generating activities.

4. Government Policies and Private Sector Growth:

   • Policy Inconsistency: Frequent changes in government policies create uncertainty, hindering private sector growth and employment generation.
   • Tourism Sector: The increase in the sustainable development fee (SDF) has negatively impacted employment opportunities in the tourism sector, particularly for women and youth.
   • Skills Training: Government initiatives like the Youth Engagement and Livelihood Program (YELP) and skilling programs are steps in the right direction but are often short-term and lack market alignment.

5. Technological Changes:

   • Digital Divide: Technological advancements and digitalization require specific skills not commonly possessed by Bhutanese youth, leading to a mismatch in the job market.
   • Remote Work: While offering flexibility, remote work challenges women due to existing gender roles and caregiving responsibilities.
   • Automation: Technology-driven automation and outsourcing threaten traditional jobs, which are often filled by female employees.

6. Social Challenges:

   • Mental Health and Self-Esteem: Youth suffer from low self-esteem and mental health issues due to societal pressures and challenges in employment.
   • Social Stigmas: Cultural norms discourage young people from pursuing certain business ideas or entrepreneurial ventures, leading to restricted participation in the economy.

7. Out-Migration of Youth:

   • Economic Factors: High youth unemployment rates lead to significant out-migration, creating a vacuum in the labor market and posing long-term economic risks.
   • Financial Implications: Migration contributes to issues like real estate vacancies and underutilization of infrastructure, impacting economic stability.

Policy Recommendations:

1. Education System Overhaul: Integrate TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) into the mainstream education system and ensure inclusive pathways for students with disabilities.
2. Workplace Support for Women: Provide childcare facilities, elderly care support, and gender-sensitive policies to encourage female workforce participation.
3. Skills Development: Align skilling programs with market demands, extend training durations, and encourage mentorship for entrepreneurship.
4. Addressing Technological Gaps: Enhance digital literacy and provide training for remote work to prepare the youth for the evolving job market.
5. Combatting Migration: Develop domestic employment opportunities, offer incentives for skilled workers to stay, and implement family-oriented policies to mitigate out-migration.
6. Social Support Programs: Implement behavioral programs to boost self-esteem, address mental health, and reduce social stigmas that hinder employment opportunities.

Conclusion: Addressing the multifaceted challenges in Bhutanese youth and female employment requires comprehensive policies that align education, workforce support, technological adaptation, social interventions, and sustainable economic planning.