Between Identity and Peacebuilding: A Case of Women’s Participation in Thailand’s Deep South Peace Process (73117)
Session Chair: Napisa Waitoolkiat
Saturday, 1 July 2023 15:10
Session: Session 3
Room: Lecture Room 2
Presentation Type:Live-Stream Presentation
This study examines women’s participation in the peace process to resolve the long-standing conflict in Thailand's deep south. Despite the ongoing unrest between the Thai military and Malay resistance groups in the southern border provinces, women's participation at the formal decision-making level within peace processes has been largely overlooked. The study aims to explore the factors contributing to the lack of recognition of women's involvement. It investigates the relationship between women's identity, including ethnicity and religion, and their influence on peacebuilding. The research analyzes data from 142 women, comprising Malay-Muslim and Thai-Buddhist participants, and includes in-depth interviews with selected women leaders. The findings indicate that women who showed a willingness to adopt Thai administration and regulations, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, were more likely to have a significant impact on the peace process. In contrast, those who emphasized exclusive identities had less influence. Thus, the presentation of women's identities plays a crucial role in their engagement and effectiveness in peacebuilding efforts.
Authors:
Anna Christi Suwardi, Naresuan University, Thailand
See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule
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