Highlights

• Thammasat University fosters a gender-inclusive environment, actively addressing discrimination and harassment.
• The university offers over 300 scholarships for women and initiatives to enhance female enrollment and participation in programs.
• Thammasat creates a supportive environment with comprehensive mental health resources, childcare facilities, and supportive leave policies (for menstruation and maternity) cater to the needs of female students.
• The Master’s program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is the first of its kind in ASEAN, encouraging critical discussions and personal development in these areas.

Thammasat University is firmly committed to fostering a gender-inclusive and equitable environment for all female students, staff, and visitors. We take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and harassment based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Our initiatives are designed to integrate gender equality into every aspect of university life, including education, employment, and social activities, with targeted programs that support women’s advancement and participation.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, we ensure that women feel safe, respected, and empowered to succeed. Through these dedicated efforts, Thammasat University is actively creating a community where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.

Table of Contents

• Commitment to Gender Equality
• Women’s Application and Entry
• Scholarships for Women
• Mentoring Program for Women
• Health Services and Other Provisions
• Maternity Support Programs
• Creating a Supportive Environment
• Job Opportunity
• Women Enrollment Statistics
• Women in Leadership Positions
• Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

---

Commitment to Gender Equality

With the focus on gender equality, Thammasat University has a comprehensive array of initiatives that support women throughout their academic journey. From application and special admission programs to scholarships and internships, we actively promote women enrollment and success. Our mentoring programs and strategic provisions further ensure that women have equal opportunities in education.

---

Women’s Access – Application, Acceptance and Entry

Thammasat University is dedicated to ensuring that all women have equal opportunities to access, participate in, and benefit from higher education. We believe that gender equality is crucial for the success of our university and the well-being of our entire community. To increase the number of women applying to and enrolling in our programs, we have launched multiple initiatives designed to support female candidates. Through a variety of admission programs, special scholarships, and partnerships with external organizations, foundations, and associations, Thammasat University ensures that female applicants and students receive the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

---

Scholarships for Women

Thammasat University offers a wide range of scholarships that female students are eligible to apply for, including over 300 opportunities from the women’s universities, various faculties, and external organizations, foundations, and associations. These scholarships are promoted through our TU Scholarship Facebook page, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.

One notable initiative is the SWU Summer International Program (SSIP), which offers female students to participate in a Japanese studies course and cross-cultural workshop. This program not only provides academic credits but also enriches their understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Additionally, we have several special scholarship programs aimed at supporting female students facing financial challenges. These initiatives are designed to ensure that talented women from diverse backgrounds can access quality education. Examples include the “White Elephant” scholarship for exceptional students from urban and rural areas, targeted support for students from the three southern border provinces, the One-District-One-Doctor scholarship program, and scholarships for students with disabilities, among many others.

See more: Number of Students Classified by Faculty, Admission Program, and Gender (Academic Years 2017-2023)

---

Mentoring Program

Thammasat University offers specialized mentoring and counseling services designed to support women, both students and staffs, across academic, career, and personal development areas. The university recognizes the unique challenges women may face in both academic and professional settings. Counselors work with participants on resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies, equipping women with the skills needed. Since started in 2021, there were 237 female students participated in the program, accounted for 72% of all participants and over 15% of total female students qualifed to attend this mentoring program. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, Thammasat University offers FREE mental health counseling services to address personal and emotional challenges through Viva City Center. Since opened in 2019, there were 9,495 students who visited the center and more than 76% of those were women.  For the year 2023 alone, 76% of all visitors are women.

---

Health Services and Other Provisions

Thammasat University offers on-campus childcare facilities and services specifically designed for female students and staff with children, ensuring that their educational and professional commitments are supported.

Additionally, we recognize the challenges that menstruation can pose for female students, which is why we have implemented menstrual leave policies that allow students to take time off without impacting their academic schedules. Faculties and institutes are encouraged to communicate this policy to instructors, ensuring that menstrual leave is granted smoothly and without disruption to classes.

---

Maternity and Other Sexual Safety Support Programs

Thammasat Maternity and Paternity Policies

Thammasat University offers clear and supportive maternity and paternity policies, allowing 90 days of maternity leave and 15 days of paternity leave to ensure that parents can care for their child and partner after childbirth.

Free Sexual Health Care Program

We also provide a Free Sexual Health Care Program that promotes safe sex awareness among students. This program includes free HIV screening, educational materials, counseling services, and access to condoms, all aimed at fostering a better understanding of sexual health.

Emergency Sanitary Pad Project

Our Emergency Sanitary Pad Project provides free emergency sanitary pads as part of our commitment to women’s welfare, organized by the Thammasat University Student Organization. Supported by Ira Concept, this initiative offers 100% natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly sanitary pads, ensuring that essential health products are readily available for those in need.

---

Creating a Supportive Environment

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where women feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive. Our initiatives include comprehensive counseling services, mentorship programs, and a wealth of resources designed specifically for women students. We actively work to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s access to university life, addressing issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, and harassment.

See more: The Training Program on Mechanisms for Responding to Violence Against Women (Jul, 2023)

The symposium, “Unleashing the Full Potential of Women in International Trade,” featured expert panelists from both the public and private sectors in Thailand and Canada, providing a unique opportunity for networking and learning. Attendees explored diverse experiences and perspectives in business, particularly focusing on the challenges and successes faced by women executives in international organizations.

---

Collaborating with External Partners to Expand Job Opportunities for Women

Thammasat University actively seeks partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to promote gender equality, combat gender-based discrimination, and create job opportunities for female students and graduates. By leveraging resources and expertise, we aim to equip women with the skills needed for their future careers. A notable example is our collaboration with USAID’s “Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA)“ program, through which we are committed to expanding opportunities for women in the energy sector.

As the Regional Energy Internship Coordinator for Southeast Asia, Thammasat has successfully placed 41 female interns in energy roles, partnering with 11 leading energy companies and 6 prestigious educational institutions across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These initiatives empower women to pursue impactful careers in the energy industry, helping to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive workforce.

---

Women Enrollment Statistics

From 2019 to 2023, Thammasat University welcomed 133,462 female students across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, representing an impressive 64.09% of the total student body. In the academic year 2022-2023 alone, 5,497 out of 8,379 new students were women, highlighting a strong commitment to gender inclusivity. Additionally, among first-generation students starting their degrees, a remarkable 68.1% were women. These statistics reflect our dedication to fostering an environment where women can thrive academically and contribute meaningfully to society.

---

Enhancing women’s participation in leadership positions

Thammasat University is dedicated to fostering gender equality and non-discrimination, as outlined in our policy “Gender equality and non-discrimination against women, LGBT and people with disabilities”, which ensures that job postings specify qualifications based solely on education and skills, regardless of gender, age, maternity status, physical ability, or social background.

Thammasat University – The Signatory of UN Women’s WEPs

On February 3, 2023, the university was authorized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) to appoint the Dean of the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education as a signatory of the CEO Statement of Support. This significant endorsement reinforces our commitment to collaborating with the UN to eliminate gender inequality in both the workplace and the community, while implementing the seven Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in our management practices.

In fields like engineering and health sciences, where women have historically been underrepresented, Thammasat University is leading the charge for change. The Faculty of Engineering (TSE) has become a pioneer in creating opportunities that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring women can succeed just as much as their male counterparts. Currently, women make up 35% of all students in TSE, and we continue to expand our programs by introducing new fields and curricula that emphasize essential soft skills and innovative approaches, further empowering women engineers to excel.

---

Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

The Master of Arts Program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSSP) at Thammasat University is the first and only program of its kind in the ASEAN region, designed to equip graduates with the tools to critically analyze social phenomena related to women, gender, and sexuality. This innovative program aims to empower students to effect change in power dynamics among diverse gender groups, addressing the complex economic, social, and cultural challenges that arise.

The program started with student’s research on how to improve the quality of life for women in Thai society. The course also serves as a safe space for those interested in sexuality issues. Regardless of the various background, degrees, fields or gender, students have come to understand more about themselves and the social structure, how to express themselves without fear of others’ judgment. The absence of any bachelor’s degree programs on this subject in Thailand is a challenge and also gives applicants a different base of knowledge and understanding. However, this diversity is one of the strengths of this course.

From its inception, the program has focused on researching ways to enhance the quality of life for women in Thai society. It also serves as a safe and inclusive space for individuals interested in exploring sexuality issues, welcoming students from all backgrounds, disciplines, and genders. This environment fosters personal growth and understanding of social structures, allowing students to express themselves without fear of judgment. While the lack of undergraduate programs in this field presents challenges, it also enriches the learning experience, as the diversity of perspectives becomes one of the program’s greatest strengths.

For more information on this program, please refer to First Master Degree in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Thammasat.