Empowering young people to prevent violence against women and girls in southern Thailand’s schools

Author: Diego De La Rosa

In southern Thailand, students aged 12 to 16 are stepping up to prevent violence against women and girls. Through the Voices against Violence curriculum, developed by UN Women and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, young people explore issues of gender equality, power, consent and respectful relationships. The programme creates space for critical conversations and student-led action in two secondary schools: Satree Thungsong School and Chian Yai School in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Implemented by UN Women through a partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the initiative engaged 120 students through 15 interactive sessions. The curriculum was adapted to the Thai context and delivered through group discussions, journaling and creative expression. Its final component, a peer-led “Take Action” initiative, empowered students to design and deliver outreach activities that reached more than 2,500 peers, teachers and community members.

“At first, I thought violence only caused physical pain. But now I understand it can leave lasting emotional effects,” said Nok*, 15.

Another student, Mee*, 14, added: “When we see someone being hurt, we should say or do something. We should not stay silent.”

Many students began using new language to describe harmful behaviours and spoke out during school assemblies. Some even launched social media pages to promote respectful relationships and provide safe spaces for peer dialogue.

The programme also fostered inclusion, self-expression and emotional growth. As one student wrote in a reflection: “At first, I was confused about my sexual orientation… now I feel proud to be myself.”

At Chian Yai School, students organized a gallery walk exploring different types of violence and staged a play that illustrated warning signs and healthy coping strategies. They also created anonymous suggestion boxes where students could safely share concerns and propose improvements. These were later reviewed by school leadership.

At Satree Thungsong School, students installed a billboard to raise awareness of verbal abuse and performed a school-wide play on violence prevention. The performance was so well received that the principal requested an encore at the next parent-teacher meeting.

“Before this, I didn’t know how to help a friend in a bad situation,” said Nam*, 16. “Now, I feel more confident to speak up.”

“When young people are equipped with the right tools and support, they can challenge harmful norms, influence their peers and become powerful advocates for change in their communities,” said Somchai Yensabai, Country Programme Coordinator at UN Women Thailand.

Parents also saw the value of the programme. “I’m glad my son actively participated,” said Kanongsak Songsri, parent of a student from Satree Thungsong School. “When men join efforts like this, it sends a powerful message that violence against women and girls must never be tolerated. Upholding each other’s rights and resolving conflicts peacefully are key to preventing violence.”

Monitoring data show clear progress. Over 70 per cent of participants reported feeling confident in how to respond to unsafe situations. Over half had already taken action, whether by supporting a friend, speaking up in class or organizing awareness activities.

Teachers also praised the programme’s interactive approach and positive impact on students becoming more vocal, reflective and supportive of one another.

“A school free from violence fosters learning and supports students’ growth,” said Prangthipa Chumchob, a teacher from Chian Yai School.

Several educators expressed interest in continuing similar activities beyond this school year.

The Voices against Violence programme in Thailand shows how, with the right support, young people can become active agents in preventing violence in their schools and communities.

* Names changed to protect their identities.