Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women

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

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

APSW. Committee Members 2021-2023

• President : Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn
• Vice President: Dr. Chareontit Ngamtippan, Mr. Art Wichienchareon,
• Secretary General: Dr. Maytinee Bhongsvej
• Registrar: Dr. Sirinrat Kandchanakunjara
• Treasurer: Mr. Wasunt Femuchang
• Deputy Treasurer: Miss. Jaruwan Kasemsup

• Committee Members: Dr. Palarp Sinhaseni, Dr. Sasamon Sanguansin, Pol.Col.Pimol Punwilai, Mrs. Pongtip Thesaphu, PolltaGen.Ponjanee Suntomketuj, Dr. Narudee Kiengsiri, Dr. Siriporn Kachanga, MD, Mrs, Karnda Vaidyanuwat

APSW. Advisory Committee Members 2021-2023

• President: Professor Emeritus Dr. Pensri Phijaisanit
• Committee members: Miss. Lantip Dvadasin, Dr. Suteera Vivhitranonda, Miss Kanyaka Kovitvanij, Mrs. Chonlaka Kengradomying, Mr. Narong Lertkitsiri, Miss Pranee Niamsakul, Associate Professor- Dr. Pichit Suwanorakorn, Khunyin Nathanon Thavisin, Dr. Phitaya Charupoonphol, Prof.Yuwat Vuthimedhi, Dr. Ruankeo Kuyyakanon Brandt, Mrs. Wimonsiri Jamnanvej, Mr. Sumit Charuketnan, Dr. Suwanakiree Yamebubpha, Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul, Miss Vimonsiri Agvatee, Mrs. Oyetip Hayrabut

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 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.