Thailand steps up fight for gender equality  

According to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, her government will remove unfair laws, stop domestic violence, and create more opportunities for women.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, she expressed gratitude to persons who have fought to change old ways of thinking and give women better chances in life.

She said women should be able to lead in any field and reach their dreams without being held back because of their gender.

Highlighting some of the many evident problems, she noted how women still face violence at home, are judged more for their looks than their skills, and struggle with expectations from a male-dominated society.

The government plans to change laws that discriminate against women, improve maternity leave, make childcare better, and support projects that help women become financially independent.

Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, also spoke about the country’s healthcare system.

Thai women have equal access to healthcare under the national health scheme. He highlighted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Thai women. The government has now expanded free screenings, including mammograms and ultrasounds, for women over 40 with a family history of breast cancer.

Democrat Party spokeswoman Janejira Rattanapian said International Women’s Day should not just be a symbolic event but a moment for real change.

 She called for more women in leadership, stronger laws against gender-based violence, and financial support for women to help them succeed.