Women’s Role in Local Development: Enhancing Gender Equality in Wan Yai District, Mukdahan Province, Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: This research was conducted using a qualitative method. The objectives were: 1) to study women’s roles in local development; 2) to analyze the supporting and hindrance factors that affect the roles of women in the local area; and 3) to suggest pathways for the roles of women in local development to reduce gender inequality in Thai society. Method: The collective data came from in-depth interviews with provincial and district developers. Women's empowerment working groups conducted focus groups in four districts: Wan-Yai, Cha-Note, Bang-Sai Noi, and Pong-Kam Dong-Moo. Furthermore, the researcher focused on the women villagers to analyze the factors that influence women's empowerment in the local area and make recommendations to the local administration's women's development strategic plan. Results: Women's role in the Wan Yai district is significant. Women also participate in many aspects of the local community. Regarding politics, some women are interested in applying for local elections, and others work as public health volunteers. In economic terms, many women are essential to generating income and development in the area. Most women in the district are members of the Women's Empowerment Fund, a low-interest source promoting job creation and building careers. Research Implication: Regarding culture, women's groups participated in local traditions, such as the Twelve Annual Festivals of Isan People and the Christmas Celebration. Strong women's organizations and women's participation at all levels supported women's empowerment. However, the obstructing factors to women's development were competition from locals with similar careers and the emigration of the working-age population and younger generations. Originality/Value: In summary, the recommendations for the relevant organizations are the network and women's empowerment organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions to integrate abstractly, investigate, and evaluate continually towards the provincial strategic plan.