BANGKOK, 21 November 2014 – Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Bowornsak Uwanno has accepted suggestions from women’s rights networks regarding the new constitution, affirming their voices will be heeded.
Representatives of women’s networks and related organizations from across the country have come together for a special seminar hosted by the Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The event was aimed to allow women to have their say on the drafting of the new charter, with a focus on gender equality and women’s roles in politics.
The suggestions compiled from the seminar have been presented to Mr Bowornsak. According to the CDC Chairman, the law concerning equality between men and women was first included in the Constitution back in 1974 while the law against sexual discrimination came along in 1997. He thus assured that the upcoming charter will also uphold the rights of women.
Mr Bowornsak noted that the women’s input this time is interesting as it suggests that women’s quota in Parliament or any political bodies be increased to 30 percent at minimum. Such a change would bring the rights of Thai women up to par with their international counterparts and could be introduced at the local level first.
Nonetheless, the CDC Chairman stressed the need for Thai men to change their attitude towards women and develop more respect for them. He pointed out that the promotion of women’s rights should not be undertaken by women alone as men should also be able to come out and speak up for them.
