PM: Govt accentuates women rights in politics

BANGKOK, 5 March 2011 – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has stressed that the government has been giving importance to women rights and will encourage greater participation of women in all levels of public-and private-sector affairs as well as in politics.



Speaking in a seminar on gender equality and women’s roles in politics, the prime minister admitted that Thailand still lags behind other countries in terms of women’s participation in politics, citing the current ratio of females in Parliament and other political positions.



Prime Minister Abhisit then expressed his appreciation to see representatives of all political parties coming together to propose a legislation on women rights protection. He also commended the fact that all political parties have incorporated women’s rights promotion in their respective policies.



The prime minister added that it was also good to see women nowadays taking vital management roles in public and private organizations. He said the government is also promoting women’s welfare and trying to reduce barriers obstructing their access to career advancement.



Prominent members of other political parties also took part in the seminar to share their parties’ vision on women rights issues. They were, for example, Pheu Thai Party Leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, New Politics Party Leader Somsak Kosaisuk and Matubhum Party Leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

(NNT : Santibhap Ussavasodhi)

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