Thailand Launches Women’s Empowerment Centres and Hosts First National WPS Network Meeting
COTABATO CITY (August 3, 2025) — UN Women Thailand, in collaboration with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, has launched a major initiative to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the establishment of community-based implementation mechanisms across Thailand’s border regions.
Key milestones include the launch of Women’s Empowerment and Learning (WE) Centres in Southern (Yala, Pattani), Northern (Chiang Rai), and Northeastern (Surin) border provinces. These centres, managed by local women’s groups and civil society organizations, aim to empower women, enhance economic opportunities, and strengthen gender-responsive peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction.
UN Women is also expanding its reach by launching new WE Centres in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on 1–2 July 2025, focusing on empowering ethnic minority women in the Northern region.
Culminating these efforts, the first National WPS Network Meeting was held on 3–4 July 2025 in Chiang Rai. The event brought together WPS focal points, civil society organizations, and government representatives to share best practices and strengthen collaboration for localizing the WPS agenda nationwide.
This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusive, sustainable peacebuilding and gender equality in Thailand’s conflict-affected and border areas. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
