Women Ambassadors in Thailand join force to end gender violence at the country’s oldest emergency home

Author:  Montira Narkvichien

Bangkok - Women Ambassadors in Thailand joined the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence held at the country’s oldest emergency home. 

Speaking on behalf of Ambassadors of Argentina, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, H.E. Ambassador Ms. Robina Patricia Marks of South Africa said to women and children survivors of violence residing in the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW), “We are here because not only our governments are committed to gender equality, but also on our personal commitment to support to the UN Secretary-General’s initiative to end all forms of violence against women.”

Former APSW executive director Dr. Maytinee Bhongsvej reported to the visiting diplomatic corps some major issues facing women in Thailand are violence against women, teenage pregnancies and abortions, higher HIV/AIDS prevalence in women and social stigmatization and trafficking of women. Women ambassadors were visiting various operational units at the APSW including as Emergency Home, Women’s Education and Training Center, Teen House, Gender and Development Research Institute.

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign which takes place each year, and runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), also encompassing other important key dates. The period is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call attention to the need for ending violence against women and girls. It originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.

First operated in 1990, Thailand’s oldest non-governmental organization has sheltered 130 women and children on any given day.

Five women ambassadors observed the 16 Days of Activism at the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) on 27 November. (From left) APSW assistant treasurer Ms. Jaruwan Kasemsup; APSW secretary-general Ms. Charoenjit Ngarmtippan; H.E. Ambassador Ms. Ana Maria Ramirez of Argentina; H.E. Ambassador Ms. Katja Chr. Nordgaard of Norway; H.E. Ambassador Ms. Robina Patricia Marks of South Africa; H.E. Ambassador Ms. Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland; H.E. Ambassador Ms. Carmen Moreno of Spain; APSW past executive director Dr. Maytinee Bhongsvej and APSW executive director Aroonee Sirivadhna.
Photo credit: UN Women/Montira Narkvichien

Ambassador Ms. Katja Chr. Nordgaard of Norway (holding the infant) at the APSW – Jimmy-Rosalynn Carter Women’s Clinic which is now a day care center currently nurturing 14 infants while their mothers receive rehabilitation or career training
Photo credit: UN Women/Montira Narkvichien

H.E. Ambassador Ms. Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland at the APSW – Jimmy-Rosalynn Carter Women’s Clinic which is now a day care center currently nurturing 14 infants while their mothers receive rehabilitation or career training
Photo credit: UN Women/Montira Narkvichien