UN Women marks International Women’s Day with a call to transform justice systems

Date:

Author: Yuhang Zhang

“It is crucial to step up and speak up, even if you feel you are not ready.”

–– Tirachon Intaranontawilai, Youth Ambassador

A wide group photo shows many participants gathered inside the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. They stand and sit in curved rows of desks arranged in a large circular hall. People wear conference badges and formal or semi‑formal clothing. At the front of the room, a raised platform and a long desk face the audience, with the United Nations emblem displayed high on the wall behind it. Two large screens on either side of the hall show a blue event backdrop with text about International Women’s Day. The space is bright and orderly, with blue chairs, wooden panels and soft lighting. The image shows a moment of unity and shared purpose at an international gathering focused on women’s rights and justice. Photo by UN Women/Pathumporn Thongking

Participants gather at an International Women’s Day 2026 celebration at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 March 2026. Photo: UN Women/Pathumporn Thongking

Bangkok, Thailand — Representatives from embassies, governments, United Nations agencies, civil society and youth leadership called for urgent changes in justice systems and their underlying social norms today as they celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 in the Asia and Pacific.

Participants held passionate discussions under the theme Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls at the event at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok organized by UN Women and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific, said that worldwide, women today hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights that men hold. In fundamental areas of life including employment, safety and retirement, legal frameworks often continue to systematically disadvantage women, she told the gathering.

A woman stands behind a wooden podium at a formal event inside a large conference hall. A microphone extends toward her as she speaks to an audience. She wears a dark jacket and stands upright, facing forward. Behind her, the United Nations emblem is visible high on the wall, framed by tall light‑coloured panels, giving the space a formal and official atmosphere. The setting feels calm and organized, with soft lighting and a clear focus on the speaker at the podium. The image centres on leadership and public speaking during an international gathering. Photo by UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific, speaks at an International Women’s Day event at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 8 March 2026. Photo: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

In a panel discussion, Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, observed that changes in social norms often precede laws. She pointed to the “quiet evolution” of women and the sport of cricket in Australia as evidence of how shifting perceptions can break down long-standing gender biases.

A woman sits at a long table during a formal meeting or panel discussion. A nameplate reading “Angela Macdonald” is placed in front of the speaker. A microphone is positioned on the table, suggesting the person is speaking or preparing to speak to an audience. The setting appears organized and official. The background is plain and quiet, keeping attention on the speaker and the discussion. Another participant sits slightly behind to the side. The image reflects a structured dialogue setting, such as a conference, forum, or public discussion linked to leadership and decision-making. Photo by UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Angela Macdonald, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, speaks at an International Women’s Day event at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 March 2026. Photo: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, a non-profit research institute affiliated with the United Nations, proposed using “design thinking” to transform the mindset of personnel in the justice system.

“We need to build institutions where fairness does not depend on individual courage, but is instead embedded in routine, gender-responsive practice,” he said.

Two people sit at a long table during a formal meeting. A man in a dark suit and tie speaks into a slim microphone placed in front of him. He sits upright, facing slightly to the side, as if addressing the room. Papers and name cards rest on the table, showing an organized discussion setting. Another participant sits beside him, listening attentively. The room is calm and professional, with soft lighting and neutral walls. The scene shows focused dialogue and shared attention during an official conference or panel discussion. Photo by UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, calls for changes in norms among justice personnel during an event marking International Women’s Day at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 March 2026. Photo: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

These systemic reforms must also include those often left at the margins. With 350 million women and girls with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, Nidhi Goyal, Executive Director of Rising Flame, a non-profit in India that supports women and youth with disabilities, highlighted how structural barriers and stigma frequently deny people justice. “Reforms cannot be without access,” she said, calling for the repeal of discriminatory laws, such as guardianship clauses, that undermine the autonomy and dignity of women with disabilities.

A large conference hall is filled with people seated in rows, facing the front of the room. They sit at long desks with microphones and nameplates, listening attentively. At the front, a speaker stands at a podium, while a large projector screen above shows a woman speaking remotely. The woman on the screen is blind and is participating in the discussion through a video connection. The room feels formal and organized, with warm lighting, wooden panels along the walls, and a calm atmosphere. The image shows an inclusive international meeting where people are listening, learning, and engaging with speakers both in the room and online. Photo by UN Women/Kittiphong Boonprakhom

Nidhi Goyal, Executive Director of Rising Flame, a non-profit helping people with disabilities in India, joins a 6 March 2026 gathering at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok to celebrate International Women’s Day. Photo: UN Women/Kittiphong Boonprakhom

Today’s event concluded by looking toward the future through the 2026 Ambassador for a Day initiative, which featured 42 youth leaders. Launched in 2021 by the Women Ambassadors Group and the United Nations, the programme allows young people to “shadow” ambassadors and senior United Nations officials to gain first-hand experience in international diplomacy.

A woman stands among a large group of youth inside a bright, modern conference building. She raises one arm high to take a group photo with a mobile phone, while others gather closely around her. People wear conference badges and formal or semi‑formal clothing, suggesting an official event or gathering. The space is open and well lit, with white walls and a high ceiling. More participants stand and watch in the background, creating a lively and social atmosphere. The image shows a moment of connection and shared celebration during a large meeting or public event. Photo by UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Youth ambassadors from the Ambassador for a Day initiative pose at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 March 2026 before an International Women’s Day event. Photo: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng

Tirachon Intaranontawilai, one of the youth ambassadors, told the audience today of how he grew up being inspired by the strong women in his family. He urged everyone in the young generation, including men and boys, to engage in meaningful dialogue to create a shared responsibility for equality.

“It is crucial to step up and speak up, even if you feel you are not ready,” he said. “We are not just transforming one group. We are bringing everyone together.”

In photos

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