Future Scenario of Thai Women Role and the National Council of Women of Thailand : 50 Years Strategy

Abstract

          During the last two decades, women in Thailand and abroad have taken significant roles in politics, economy and society. When considering the vision statement in the 20-year National Economic and Social Development Plan of Thailand (B.E. 2551), it was found that the role of Thai women was indistinctly stipulated. The establishment of appropriate strategy and distinct goal of women role development will enable the National Council of Women of Thailand to have tools for communication and implementation with all sectors of society more effectively.

          This research studied about future social changes and perspectives in the dimensions of the role of Thai women and the role of the National Council of Women of Thailand relating to key issues influencing social and national development in the next 10 years and 50 years. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected during April to August 2011 from the target group consisting of the Administrative Committee and organization members of the National Council of Women of Thailand, representatives of organizations involving with women, politicians, lawyers, academicians, grassroots women leaders, students and businesswomen.
         The research findings revealed the involved issues and the future scenario of the role of the National Council of Women of Thailand nowadays and in the next 10 years and 50 years. The researchers used the collected information to stipulate a Drafted Strategic Plan of the National Council of Women of Thailand in the next 10 years. Such Draft of 10-year Strategic Plan consists of vision, values of women and five strategies which were : 1) promotion of thestatus of Thai Women, 2) promotion of gender equality and protection of women's rights in Thai society,  3) strengthening of member-organizations, women network groups and various women groups in the society, 4) being the main shelter organization for the suffered women in Thai society and being a powerful representative for women within the country and worldwide, and 5) being an organization to co-develop the society and the country. In each aspect of the strategy, goals, indicators and operating strategies were specified. As for the Draft of 50-year Strategic Plan of the National Council of Women of Thailand consisted of vision, values of women and four strategies which were: 1) maintaining the status of Thai women in the global community, 2) maintaining the gender equality and protection of Thai women's rights in the global community, 3) expansion of member organizations, and 4) being the
organization of women leadership in enabling major development of the ASEAN and the global community. 

          After the researcher presented the two Drafts of Strategic Plans in the general assembly of the Executive Committee and member organizations of the National Council of Women of Thailand, the survey of the members' opinions was conducted and it was founded that 75.76% agreed with the 10-year Draft of Strategic Plan and had no recommendation and 82.61% agreed with the 50-year Draft of Strategic Plan
and had neither suggestion. The researcher suggested that the executive committee of the National Council of Women of Thailand should enthusiastically put all strategies into actions to achieve the desired goals with the cooperation among involved organizations involving in the development of the role of Thai women as well as the role of the National Council of Women of Thailand within the country and overseas. It was also suggested that the establishment of the long-term Strategic Plans for the development of the women and the National Council of Women of Thailand are required and used as significant instrument for the National Council of Women of Thailand, all member organizations, and all Thai women to participate in the sustainable development of the economy, society, and the country.