Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls visits Thailand
19 June 2013
Australia's Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Penny Williams, will arrive in Thailand today for a visit in support of Australian and Thai government programs aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The visit was announced during Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s visit to Australia in 2012.
During her visit, Ambassador Williams will meet Dr Indrarita Nontavacharasirichot, the Vice Minister for Social Development and Human Security, and Mr Chulasingh Vasantasingh, the Attorney-General, who is working on a project initiated by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha to combat violence against women.
“Advocacy for women and girls is a priority for Australia,” Ambassador Williams said. “Australia and Thailand have long been close partners, sharing knowledge and experience in many areas. Our common efforts to support women’s empowerment and gender equality are an important element of this partnership.”
“Thailand’s record as the nation which globally has the highest percentage of women CEOs is most impressive,” Ambassador Williams said. “Bringing more women into the workforce spurs innovation, increases productivity, and grows economies.”
Ambassador Williams will also travel to Chiang Mai province, where she will visit the Wildflower Home Foundation which provides a healthy diet and shelter for pregnant and nursing mothers. In 2012, the Australia Government funded the foundation’s Agricultural Expansion for Long Term Sustainability project. The project involves growing organic food to ensure that mothers and children in the residence have access to the sustainable sources of nutrition they need.
Australia has worked with Thailand on several women’s empowerment projects in recent years. In 2012, the Australia-Thailand Institute funded three young Thai female parliamentarians - Dr Jarupan Kuldiloke, Ms Leelavadee Vajropala and Ms Boontida Somchai – to undertake a political study tour in Australia.
“Increasing women’s participation in politics is crucial to ensuring women’s perspectives are represented at the highest levels of government,” said Ambassador Williams. “In Australia, we currently have our first female Prime Minister. I am very pleased to be visiting one of the few other countries in the region with a female leader.”
Follow updates on the visit online at Australian Embassy’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/australiainthailand .