Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women

Last updated

Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) is a women's organization in Thailand, founded in 1970.

Contents

It was founded under the name Promotion of Status of Women Group. APSW played an important role in the history of women´s movement in Thailand. While it was not the first women's organization in Thailand, it has been referred to as the first feminist women's organization in Thailand in 1974. [1] Is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights. Founded with the mission of empowering women and promoting their social, economic, and political status, APSW works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Through various programs, advocacy efforts and collaborations, APSW strives to address issues related to gender-based discrimination, violence against women and unequal access to opportunities. The organization plays a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support services, and promoting policies that benefit women and contribute to a more just and equal world. [1]

The founders envisioned a world where women have opportunities to access resources and the ability to participate fully in society. The Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) site, is dedicated to furthering the case of gender equality and social justice for women and children through a range of objectives. These objectives include providing shelter, support, and training for disadvantaged individuals,empowering women with professional skills to contribute to Thailand’s economic and social progress, and advocating forwomen;s full participation in the decision making process to eradicate gender bias in laws and policies. Established as a non-profit organization, APSW focuses on assisting women and children facing challenges such as forced position, HIV/AIDS, unemployment and abuse. Over its more than 20 years of operation, APSW has expanded its activities to encompass welfare provision and initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and socially. [2]

History of APSW

The founders of APSW were a diverse group of activists, scholars, professional and community leaders who shared a common passion for promoting women’s empowerment and social justice. Their collective experiences created a platform for women’s advocacy and empowerment. Their commitment to promoting women’s rights and challenging societal norms had been instrumental in shaping APSW’s mission and guiding its efforts to empower women and promote gender equality. They set an example of grassroots activists and solidarity, demonstrating the transformative impact that individuals can have on social change and create a more equal world. Examples they did included:

  1. The Emergency Home
  2. The Jimmy-Rosalynn Carter Women's Clinic and Nursery
  3. The Children’s Home
  4. Kanitnaree Center (Rape Crisis Center)\
  5. the Women’s Education and Training Center (WE-TRAIN)
  6. Youth Center
  7. the Gender and Development Research Institute
  8. Sasakawa Women’s Education and Training Center [3]

The emergency home

Is temporary housing that offers both physical and mental rehabilitation support for women and children. The facility accommodates basic needs including meals on a daily basis. [4]

The Jimmy-Rosalynn Carter Women’s clinic and Nursery

It was established with the support of former U.S president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, during the founding ceremony of the We-Train center on June 21, 1987. Mr. Carter, serving as the chairman of the global 2000 Foundation, generously donated one million Baht towards the continuation of the women’s clinic. It serves as a dedicated facility for the care and support of pregnant women and new mothers. The clinic provided assistance to up to 20 expectant mothers seeking guidance and medical treatment. Furthermore, Jimmy -Rosalynn Carter women’s clinic included a nursery section designed to accommodate up to 30 newborn babies. While some newborns have their mothers present at the clinic, others remain under the clinic care while their mothers are at work. In certain instances, newborns are entrusted to the clinic's care in the absence of their mothers, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and attention. This comprehensive approach underscored the commitment of the clinic to cater to the needs of both mothers and their newborns in various circumstances. [5]

The Children's home

It provides care for children who are either accompanying their mothers at the emergency homes or are victims of violence and abandonment. This facility not only offers a safe haven for these children but also ensures they receive proper attention, support and nurturing during challenging times. [6]

The Kanitnaree Center

Also known as the Rape Crisis Center, represents the most recent service initiative by the APSW. It was established in October 2003, this center is well-equipped with a medical examination room and advanced facilities like a one way mirror, closed circuit cameras and recording capabilities. It is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to survivors of rape, ensuring they receive sensitive and comprehensive assistance. In addition to the Rape Crisis Center, The APSW has observed a rising numbers of individuals seeking help for HIV/AIDS-related issued over the past three to four years. The organization offers a range of services, including counseling, home visits to AIDS patients in various communities, and the provision of shelter and care. Currently, the facilities can accommodate up to 30 patients, emphasizing the APSW;s commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by HIV/ AIDS. Furthermore, the organization has established closer partnership with state hospitals to ensure that individuals living with HIV/AIDS receive necessary support. [7]

The Women’s Education and Training Center (WE-TRAIN)

It provides a comprehensive array of services beyond mere rehabilitation for women and children residing at the Emergency homes. This center serves for empowering women by offering vocational skills training tailored to their interests, enabling them to acquire valuable skills for potential income-generating activities. In addition, WE-Train facilitates non formal education at primary and secondary levels in collaboration with the ministry of education, positioning itself as a vital non-formal education center. APSW also ensures arrangements for schooling by coordinating with a local school in close proximity. The initiative guarantees that children in challenging circumstances have access to educational opportunities and support to continue their education journey. [8]

The Youth Center

It was initiated a decade ago, aiming at engaging and empowering young individuals in Thailand. It;s objective is to cultivate positive attitudes towards gender equality, social accountability, and the importance of abstaining from substance abuse. Noteworthy initiatives organized by the APSW youth center encompass youth camps and the training of young leaders in the realm of reproductive health and rights. These endeavors are executed in collaboration with schools across bangkok, emphasizing the importance of holistic education and the enhancement of youths' understanding of crucial societal issues. However, in 2002 they launched an additional program that provides reproductive health information and reproductive rights awareness raising activities as well as counseling through Teen house. [9]

The Gender and Development Research Institute (GRDI)

It serves as the research division of the APSW, focusing on conducting vital research initiatives. It specializes in action research concerning policy matters, with a primary focus on advocacy efforts to elevate the status of women and foster gender equality. Through its research endeavors, the GRDI plays a crucial role in generating evidence-based insights and recommendations to inform policy-making processes and drive positive change in areas related to gender equity. The initiatives to promote gender equality and empower women across various sectors of society. [10]

The Sasakawa Women’s Education and Training Center

It provides access to non-formal education programs at both elementary and secondary levels in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Vocational skills training in various fields is available year-around, catering to both Emergency home residents and the wider community. An Integral part of the centers programs is the information related to women’s issues throughout, aiming to enhance awareness. [11]

APSW. Committee Members 2021-2023

[12]

APSW. Advisory Committee Members 2021-2023

[13]

Impact and recognition

The association for the promotion of the status of women (APSW) plays a vital role in advocating for gender equality, women’s rights and the empowerment of women in various spheres of society. The impact it brings, influences policies and laws related to women's rights and gender equality. Further providing support services, resources and programs that benefit women in areas such as education, healthcare and social welfare.

The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index [14] provides insights into gender disparities in various countries, including Thailand. The index assess gender equality across multiple dimensions such as economic participation, educational attainment, health outcomes, and political empowerment.

  1. Women in parliament: Thailand ranks 113th with a percentage of 0.188, indicating a relatively low representation of women in parliamentary positions compared to other countries. This suggests that there is room for improvement in terms of women's political participation and representation in decision making roles.
  2. Women in Ministerial positions: Thailand ranks 140th with a percentage of 0.000, highlighting a significant gap in women’s presence in ministerial position. This underscores the need for greater gender diversity and inclusivity in key leadership roles within the government.
  3. Female/Male Head of the state: Thailand ranks 46th, indicating a relatively higher frequency of female leadership compared to some other countries. This suggests a relatively balanced representation in terms of the gender of heads of state over the past 50 years.
  4. Health and survival: Thailand ranks 37th with a score of 0.978, indicating relatively favorable health and survival outcomes for women compared to global averages.

Thailand has a gender gap index score of 0.709, placing it 79th in the rankings. This suggests that while there have been advancements in certain areas of gender equality, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed to achieve parity between men and women in various spheres of society. In light of these numbers, the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equality, promoting women;s empowerment, and addressing the gaps identified in the Gender Gap Index. APSW’s initiatives may include advocacy for increased representation of women in political positions, fostering leadership development programs for women, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in Thailand. APSW continues to advance gender equality and women’s rights in the country to work towards a more inclusive society.

Related Research Articles

Gender equality, also known as sexual equality or equality of the sexes, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making, and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations, and needs equally, also regardless of gender. To avoid complication, other genders will not be treated in this Gender equality article.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maechi</span> Nun in Thai Buddhism

Maechi or Mae chee, "respected mother", are Theravada Buddhist Nuns in Thailand. As female monastics ordained under The Eight or Ten Precepts, they formally occupy a position similar to sāmaṇerī and wear white robes, but are in practice resemblant of Theravāda bhikkhus - renunciants who have dedicated their life to Buddhist practice, meditation, vowing celibacy and ascetisicm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WOUGNET</span> Non-governmental organization in Uganda

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) also known as Women of Uganda Network Development Limited is Ugandan non-governmental organization that aids women and women's organisations in the use and access of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to share information and address issues their concerns such as gender norms, advocating for their rights and building communities and businesses through education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Commission on the Status of Women</span>

National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) is a Pakistani statutory body established by the President Pervez Musharraf, under the XXVI Ordinance dated 17 July 2000. It is an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995; and 1998 National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Jordan</span>

The political, social and economic status of women in Jordan is based on legal, traditional, cultural and religious values. Women's rights in Jordan are also dependent on factors such as class, place of origin, religion, and family ties. In addition, the status of women varies by region, with the Bedouins, Druze, and Chechen peoples each having distinct cultural practices and habits. In recent years, there have been significant changes in women's participation in politics, as well as increased involvement in the arts and sports. In the Global Gender Gap index, Jordan was ranked 131 out of 156 countries in 2021. This includes economic participation and opportunities, labour force participation, and wage inequality for similar work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Uganda</span>

Women in Uganda have substantial economic and social responsibilities throughout Uganda's many traditional societies. Ugandan women come from a range of economic and educational backgrounds. Despite economic and social progress throughout the country, domestic violence and sexual assault remain prevalent issues in Uganda. Illiteracy is directly correlated to increased level of domestic violence. This is mainly because household members can not make proper decisions that directly affect their future plans. Government reports suggest rising levels of domestic violence toward women that are directly attributable to poverty.

Legal Momentum, founded in 1970, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the nation's first and longest-serving legal advocacy group for women in the United States. Betty Friedan and Muriel Fox were its co-founders and Muriel Fox is an ongoing leader of the organization. Carol Baldwin Moody became President and CEO in April 2018. The organization, founded as the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, became Legal Momentum in 2004. Legal Momentum is a multi-issue organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and gender equality, particularly in the areas of equal education opportunities; fairness in the courts; ending all forms of gender-based violence; workplace equality and economic empowerment. The organization employs three main strategies: impact litigation, policy advocacy, and educational initiatives. It is headquartered in New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geeta Rao Gupta</span> Indian academic (born 1956)

Geeta Rao Gupta is a leader on gender, women's issues, and HIV/AIDS who is serving as United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues since May 2023. She previously served as executive director of the 3D Program for Girls and Women and senior fellow at the United Nations Foundation since 2017. She is frequently consulted on issues related to AIDS prevention and women's vulnerability to HIV and is an advocate for women's economic and social empowerment to fight disease, poverty and hunger.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity charged with working for gender equality and the empowerment of women. UN Women is charged with advocating for the rights of women and girls, and focusing on a number of issues, including violence against women and violence against LGBT people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Thailand</span>

Women in Thailand were among the first women in Asia who were granted the right to vote in 1932. They are underrepresented in Thai politics. Yingluck Shinawatra, a woman, was prime minister from 2011 to 2014. Factors that affect women's participation in the socio-economic field include "inadequate gender awareness in the policy and planning process" and social stereotyping.

The Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues is located within the United States Department of State. In 2009, Melanne Verveer was appointed to be the first Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. From September 2013 to May, 2017, Catherine M. Russell was appointed to this position. From May 2017 through December 2019, there was no ambassador for this office. Kelley Currie, a political appointee, joined the Global Women's Issues Office as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large in January 2020. Geeta Rao Gupta is the current Ambassador-at-Large for the office as of May 18, 2023.

Feminism in Thailand is perpetuated by many of the same traditional feminist theory foundations, though Thai feminism is facilitated through a medium of social movement activist groups within Thailand's illiberal democracy. The Thai State claims to function as a civil society with an intersectionality between gender inequality and activism in its political spheres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women's empowerment</span> Giving rights, freedom to make decisions and strengthening women to stand on their own

Women's empowerment may be defined in several method, including accepting women's viewpoints, making an effort to seek them and raising the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, equal status in society, better livelihood and training. Women's empowerment equips and allows women to make life-determining decisions through the different societal problems. They may have the opportunity to re-define gender roles or other such roles, which allow them more freedom to pursue desired goals.

The Red Elephant Foundation is a youth-led civilian peacebuilding initiative that works for gender equality and peace through storytelling, art advocacy, tech-for-good and digital media engagement. The initiative was founded by Kirthi Jayakumar in Chennai, India, on June 5, 2013. On June 4, 2017, The Red Elephant Foundation was recommended by Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, for Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Precious Moloi-Motsepe</span> South African fashion entrepreneur

Precious Moloi-Motsepe is a South African philanthropist and fashion entrepreneur. One of the richest women in South Africa, she started her career as a medical practitioner, specializing in children and women's health. In September 2019 she was elected Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, succeeding Graça Machel, and beginning her ten-year term on 1 January.

Foreign aid for gender equality in Jordan includes programs funded by governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that aim to empower women, close gender based gaps in opportunity and experience, and promote equal access to education, economic empowerment, and political representation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Women and Gender Equality Canada, known as Status of Women Canada from 1976 to 2018, is a department of the Government of Canada. Previously an agency under the Department of Canadian Heritage, it gained department status after a vote in December 2018 passed the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2, which included legislation in favour of evolving the agency into a department and increasing its power, duties, and functions to those concerning not just women, but all gender identities. The purpose of the department is to "advance equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women, in Canada's economic, social, and political life" as well as the intersection of these with other identities such as ethnicity, age, socio-economic level, disability, and others. The department partners with other areas of government, both federal and provincial, as well as civil and private organizations in order to achieve this. It is currently headed by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Marci Ien.

Feminist foreign policy, or feminist diplomacy, is a strategy integrated into the policies and practices of a state to promote gender equality, and to help improve women's access to resources, basic human rights, and political participation. It can often be bucketed into three categories: rights, resources, and representation. The concept was first coined and integrated into governmental policy by Margot Wallström, former Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister. The objectives of feminist foreign policy include :

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Action for Development</span> Ugandan NGO

Action for Development (ACFODE) is an indigenous (Ugandan) non government Women Association founded by women academicians; Dr Joy Kwesiga, Dr Hilda Tadria and Dr Ruth Mukama with the help of Maxine Ankra with the aim of incorporating ideas discussed during the United Nations World Conference on Women held in July 1985 in Nairobi, Kenya. Uganda had been denied entry into the conference because of the prevailing political climate at the time, thus the need to start an organization that would champion women issues without government interference.

Feminism in Zambia entails with the organized efforts to improve the rights of the girls and women in Zambia. However, it was in the 1960s and 1970s that modern feminist movement started gaining force in Zambia through the establishment of groups such as the Zambia Women's League and other related thematically organized movements in different spheres, that is, women's ministries under ministries dealing with labor issues.

References

  1. 1 2 Pranee Liamputtong Contemporary Socio-Cultural and Political Perspectives in Thailand
  2. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  3. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  4. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  5. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  6. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  7. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  8. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  9. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  10. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  11. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  12. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  13. ↑ "APSW". www.apsw-thailand.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  14. ↑ https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2022.pdf.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)


Gentileschi, Artemisia - Clio - 1632.jpg

This article related to women's history is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.