SDG 5 in numbers

Research in SDG 5

Breaking Boundaries: Thammasat University’s Bold Pursuit of Gender Equality Across Culture, Health, and Leadership

Thammasat University scholars contribute to SDG 5: Gender Equality through various thematic clusters, addressing social, economic, health, and cultural dimensions. Their research highlights gender equality across societal challenges, workplace dynamics, healthcare access, and sociocultural norms.

A major focus is on gender roles and workplace diversity. Studies examine the influence of female representation on corporate governance and management ethics, showing how gender diversity in leadership enhances equitable practices and empowers women within organizations.

Another key cluster addresses gender, health, and reproductive rights, particularly for marginalized groups. Research on sexual and reproductive health for women, transgender individuals, and migrants explores barriers to healthcare access. Notable studies include work on reproductive health for Myanmar migrant women in Thailand and HIV prevention for transgender women and men who have sex with men, highlighting the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive healthcare policies.

Gender-based violence and harassment also feature prominently in Thammasat’s research. Studies investigate gender-based harassment in public spaces, cyberbullying in schools, and domestic violence, aiming to inform policies that reduce violence against women. These efforts emphasize the importance of public safety measures and educational initiatives to create safer environments for women and gender minorities.

Finally, Thammasat scholars explore socio-cultural constructs of gender and sexuality, analyzing traditional and modern gender roles in Thailand and beyond. Research includes cultural narratives in media, the experiences of drag performers, and challenges faced by transgender youth, promoting greater cultural acceptance and gender inclusivity.

Through these thematic clusters, Thammasat University’s research makes significant contributions to SDG 5, addressing systemic barriers to gender equality and proposing pathways toward a more inclusive society.

Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 5

Thammasat University actively engages in community service projects aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), drawing on expertise from various faculties, including social sciences, sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of gender issues and combat societal gender biases.

One key project is the workshop “Five Years After COVID-19: Perspectives on Labor, Family, and Gender—Voices from Women in Close-Contact Work Sectors,” organized by the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology. The seminar provided a platform for women in vulnerable sectors to share their experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by female workers and promoting policies addressing their needs.

The Faculty of Social Administration has supported gender equality through the “Happy Family and Happy Kids” project, which assists single-parent families, many of which are headed by women. The project offers welfare support and empowerment, aiming to create equal opportunities for women and children in vulnerable situations. The faculty has also organized lectures on child and family welfare policies to raise awareness of women’s and children’s rights.

The Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources Development launched a legal education program focused on family and inheritance laws to reduce biases and inequalities stemming from misunderstandings of rights, especially concerning women’s rights within families.

In cultural and media studies, the College of Interdisciplinary Studies promotes gender diversity through projects like “Depiction of LGBTQs in Literary Texts” and “LGBT+ VOICES in Art History,” fostering understanding and societal acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.

These interdisciplinary projects demonstrate Thammasat University’s commitment to promoting gender equality by utilizing knowledge from various fields to address gender biases and create positive societal impact.

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Women’s Access Schemes and Service Programs

Thammasat University is dedicated to creating a gender-inclusive and equitable environment for all, actively preventing discrimination and harassment related to gender, sexual orientation, identity, and disability. With over 65% of students being women, we prioritize gender equality, diversity, and inclusion through our “Policy on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Against Women.”

Our initiatives include scholarships, especially for women from rural, low-income, and underrepresented groups, as well as mental health care and childcare support for female students and staff with children.

To enhance gender equality, we are:

1. Promoting Women’s Participation: Increasing female enrollment, especially in fields where women are underrepresented, with over 300 scholarships accessible via TU Scholarship Facebook.
2. Addressing Gender-Based Barriers: Enforcing policies against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation to ensure women’s full participation in campus life.
3. Enhancing Leadership Representation: Ensuring job postings and qualifications support gender, age, and ability inclusivity.
4. Creating a Supportive Environment: Providing counseling, mentorship, and resources to empower women and eliminate gender-based obstacles.
5. Collaborating with External Partners: Working with agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to promote gender equality, combat discrimination, and create career pathways for female students.

This comprehensive approach fosters a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment for women at Thammasat University.

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