UN Women assures the Thai government of technical support to women’s advancement projects and the strengthening of roles women in politics and in facilitating peace

Date: Thursday, 29 August 2013

Author: Montira Narkvichien

Bangkok - In a courtesy meeting today at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Securities, UN Women Asia Pacific Regional Director extends technical support to the Thai government in its efforts to put a stop to violence against women, empower women in politics and economy and Promoting women’s role in facilitating peace in the deep south

H.E. Pavena Hongsakula, Minister of Social Development and Human Security and UN Women Regional Director Ms. Roberta Clarke at a courtesy visit
Photo credit: UN Women/Montira Narkvichien

Ms. Roberta Clarke, Regional Director of UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and Representative in Thailand paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Pavena Hongsakula, Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) who was appointed on 30 June to lead the agency responsible for women’s affairs.

The Minister and Ms. Clarke discussed technical cooperation to advancing women’s empowerment including through strengthening of working systems to support the operations and provisions of emergency services to survivors of domestic violence and violence against women through the initiative of One Stop Crisis Centre (OSSC).and increasing women’s participation in governance and peace processes.

The launch of Thailand’s pioneering IT-equipped OSSC nationwide in April 2013 by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reinforces the continuing efforts to prevent and protect against violence against women and girls after Thailand joined UN Women as the first ASEAN country to commit to UN Women’s newest global initiative COMMIT on the March 8 International Women’s Day.

The OSSC requires MSDHS to act as a coordinating agency to provide fast social assistance services to children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities who confront problems of human trafficking, gender-based violence, child labour and teenage pregnancy. The centers are meant to ensure a comprehensive inter-ministerial response and services to women and children.

UN Women works closely with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai Police, Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Education and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in its legal and policy support for effective implementation of the Protection of Domestic Violence Victims Act 2007 in Thailand, including capacity building of police investigators, police cadets, prosecutors, education personnel, and youth & community groups on ending violence against women. It will also complement existing UN Women-Thailand collaboration towards an increase in number of women in politics, strengthened role of women in promotion of peace and security, and in the promotion of women’s access to justice.

At the meeting, the Minister invited UN Women to join a committee which is planned to be set up by the Ministry on international collaboration on OSCC.

Link article to Facts

Thailand’s Legal Frameworks for Gender Equality – The 2007 Constitution of Thailand upholds equal rights and protection between women and men. Legislative amendments have been made to improve women’s ability to claim their rights. In 2005 the Name Act was amended to allow women the right to choose a family name. In 2007, the Penal Code was amended to criminalize marital rape, and the Civil Code amended to provide women and men equal grounds for divorce. The Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence Act was passed in 2007, providing for protection and rehabilitation of victims, requiring members of the public to report alleged abuse, and obliging law enforcement officers to respond to reports of violence. The Prevention and Suppression of Human trafficking Act was passed in 2008. Drafts of the Promotion of Opportunity and Equality Act are being reviewed and pending submission for review by the Parliament.

Institutional Mechanism for Gender Equality - The Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security coordinates the women on gender equality. The Office serves as the secretariat of the National Committee on the Policy and Strategy for the Advancement of Women, chaired by the Prime Minister. Currently underway is the National Plan for the Advancement of Women (2012-2016). The Chief Gender Equality Officer and Gender Focal Point (GFP), currently in place in 131 government departments and agencies, serve as key gender mainstreaming mechanisms.

UN Women’s Programme in Thailand