Women Leader: An Important Partnership of Community Development A Case Study of Village Headwomen in NaNang Village, Phitsanulok Province
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Abstract
This article aims to 1) analyze the drive toward gender equality in Thai society, and 2) study a partnership focused on the community development of women and men, using a case study of village headwomen in a community located in Phitsanulok province. Qualitative research was conducted in 2021 through informal in-depth online interviews with 20 key informants. These included 5 female committee members, 5 male committee members, 5 female villagers and 5 male villagers. The findings reveal that 1) the drive towards gender equality in Thai society has been influenced by Western ideas particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when these concepts were embraced by academic circles and incorporated into educational curriculum; and 2) The concept of gender equality has been put into practice in NaNang Village where in 2019 the first village headwomen was appointed. She successfully developed the community by establishing an enterprise based on local wisdom which boosted the economy and strengthened social cohesion. Her acceptance by the community was driven by both external and internal factors. Externally, global and national movements for gender equality expanded opportunities for women in society and politics. Internally, the community’s need for economic growth and the headwoman’s capabilities in this area played a key role. Additionally, strong kinship ties within the village provided her with solid support.
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