Thai Women's Participation in Governance

Abstract

"The paper examines the impact of the USAID's Sapan Program on women groups in Thailand. These groups are Voluntary Women's Group in Chiang Mai, Office of Health and Social Development (OHSD) from Khon Kaen, Sri Song Kwai Women's Group from Phitsanulok and Association of Muslim Women from Nakhon Si Thammarat (AMW), Nature Protection for Life Foundation in Ubon Ratchathani and Women for Peace from Yala. Focus group interviews and key informants in-depth interview were conducted from October to November 2014 in order to understand the impact of the USAID's Sapan Program on women groups in Thailand. The results showed that despite the differences in age, economic status, level of education and religious of the women gathering together for the activities in each region, they have common interest in public work to help the society, women and children, and the underprivileged groups. They have the same opinion that women roles should not be limited for just domestic activities, women should also do social work with their abilities and according to the opportunities they might have. Although most women preferred to do social works without any political position involved, but some women started considering that holding position in local politics would allow them to take more important roles in public decision. Currently, the increasing number of women politicians at both national and local level in Thailand is encouraging more Thai women to take on a greater political role. Although the increase in women's participation in politics is modest, there are indications that women's participation in governance is bringing about a change."