Gender Equality – Page 5

South Korean politician links rising male suicides to women

On: July 9, 2024

In: Asia

After blaming the increase in male suicides on the extremely “dominant” role that women play in society, a legislator in South Korea is facing criticism for making risky and unsupported remarks.

Kim Ki-duck, the council for Seoul City, claimed in a statement that women’s increased employment over the years had made it more difficult for men to get women who wanted to marry them.

He claimed that the country had just “begun to transform into a society dominated by women” and that this might “partly account for an increase in adult suicide attempts.”

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among the richest nations in the world and has the worst gender equality information.

The remarks made by Councillor Kim have received criticism for being the most recent in a line of out-of-touch statements made by female politicians.

Councillor Kim of the Democrat Party came to his conclusion after analyzing data on the number of attempted suicides along Seoul’s Han valley.

The report, published on the city council’s official website, showed that the number of suicide attempts along the river had risen from 430 in 2018 to 1, 035 in 2023, and of those trying to take their lives the proportion who were men had climbed from 67 % to 77 %.

Experts in the field of suicide prevention are concerned about Mr. Kim’s statement.

” It is harmful and unwise to make statements like this without sufficient evidence”, Song Han, a mental health teacher at Seoul’s Yonsei University, told the BBC.

He noted that more people perished than women on a global scale. In many countries, including the UK, death is the biggest killer of people under 50.

Even so, Prof. Song said it was “very unfortunate” that the council had made the report about gender conflict and that the causes of the sharp increase in men attempting death in Seoul needed to be medically studied.

There is a significant gap between the number of men and women working full-time in South Korea, with women disproportionately having momentary or part-time tasks. The gender pay gap is slowly narrowing, but also women are paid on regular 29 % less than men.

In recent years, a growing anti-feminist activity has emerged, led by angry young men who claim they have been unfairly disadvantaged by efforts to make improvements to children’s life.

Appearing to echo such sights, Councillor Kim’s report concluded that the way to conquer” the female-domination trend” was to increase people’s knowledge of gender equality but that “men and women may enjoy similar opportunities”.

Koreans took to the social media platform X to reject the mayor’s remarks as “unsubstantiated” and “misogynistic”, with one person questioning whether they were living in a horizontal world.

The justice group accused the council of “easily shifting the blame to girls in Asian culture who are struggling to escape female discrimination.” He has been instructed to “properly analyze” the causes of the problem and retract his remarks.

Councillor Kim stated when the BBC inquired about comment that he had” not intended to be critical of the female-dominated society” and that he was merely providing his personal opinion about some of its effects.

However, his comments come in response to a number of unscientific and occasionally bizarre political proposals that aim to address some of South Korea’s most pressing social issues, including gender violence, and the country’s lowest birth rate in the world.

Another Seoul councillor in his 60s published a number of articles on the authority’s website last month encouraging young women to engage in pelvic floor gymnastics and pelvic floor exercises to increase the birth rate.

A government think tank at the same time suggested that girls start school earlier than boys so that classmates would become more attracted to one another by the time their unions were complete.

” Such comments encapsulate just how pervasive misogyny is in South Korea”, said Yuri Kim, director of the Korean Women’s Trade Union. She claimed that politicians and policymakers did n’t even try to understand the difficulties women faced and instead preferred to use them as scapegoats.

She told the BBC,” Blaming women for entering the workforce will only only increase the social imbalances.”

Currently women account for 20 % of South Korea’s members of parliament, and 29 % of all local councillors.

Seoul City Council informed the BBC that there was no way to check political content published on its official website unless it was against the law. It stated that individuals were solely liable for their content and that they would be subject to consequences at the following election.

Hosu Lee and Leehyun Choi provided additional reporting.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by issues in this article, the following resources may help:

In the UK: BBC Action Line

Elsewhere in the world: Befrienders Worldwide

Riding the ‘rainbow’ economic wave? Thailand chases business, talent opportunities from same-sex marriage bill

By: Jing Write

On: July 5, 2024

In: Asia

TOP TALENT AND EQUAL TREATMENT

Taking the necessary steps to pass this new policy will boost Thailand’s reputation and provide worldwide businesses that need to prioritize diversity and inclusion the certainty and confidence to invest in Thailand, according to Mr. Sears. &nbsp,

Making the law change today will start a network of new skill and economic chance, as well as making existing workplaces more successful, he added.

This is important as companies consider where they want to grow and where they can deliver best talent.

” Companies have focused on diversity inclusion for 25 years, not because of the moral case, but because they know that it’s delivered them innovation and talent, and that has n’t gone away, “he said.

The canaries in a coal mine for a wider culture or society is “LGBT people.” But what you do to treat an unknown, generally smaller minority that is persecuted worldwide, sends a message to how you treat all people.”

He cited reports from the US-based Williams Institute that showed a rise in a range of financial factors when same-sex marriage was legalized and workplaces healthier reflected the richness of society.

Every one economic indicator that you could think of was optimistic. All of those things will be correct for Thailand now that they’re doing this, especially from a skills interest perspective, from an technology perspective, “he said.

When the LGBTIQ members of a work are excluded from full cooperation, discriminated against or denied advertising opportunities, obviously the productivity of those companies was less than ideal, he explained.

Before this, the rules had not kept up with prevailing group views. According to a survey conducted in June by North Bangkok University, 82.5 % of respondents voted in favor of the government’s effort to implement marriage equality.

However, there are still deficiencies in defense for LGBTIQ staff in Thailand’s business environment. &nbsp,

Despite the public’s desire for more equitable laws and regulations, the nation has previously encountered difficulties passing legal protections. A United Nations record in 2019 entitled” Tolerance but no Inclusion “documented the” frequent experience of stigma and discrimination, violence and isolation “faced by the society.

It found most LGBT respondents perceived stigma and reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination, which may limit employment opportunities. Less than half of respondents had heard of Thailand’s Gender Equality Act, which was passed in 2015 to protect individuals from gender- based discrimination.

According to the report, 32 % of transgender women and 10 % of LGBT people reported discrimination at their current or most recent jobs.

The marriage equality bill wo n’t address those issues, but it could help maintain momentum already in place in the corporate sector to promote diversity and fairness, according to Mr. Jhitsayarat Siripai, an assistant professor in gender and the media at Rajamangala University of Technology.

According to Mr. Jhitsayarat, the state has been slower in this area, and the private sector has already shown to be proactive in promoting products like same-sex couple health insurance.

We have seen a lot of the private sector in Thailand begin to support equality in the workplace and acknowledge and respect LGBT people, he said.

Following this, I want to see labor laws that recognize LGBT people in terms of their health and well-being because they still face racism, violence, discrimination, and a lack of opportunities to be promoted.

Both experts agreed that Thai businesses and governments must strike a balance between acting in favor of society’s interests and pragmatism in the face of potential business opportunities.

Numerous businesses were eager to align their brands with the cause of Bangkok Pride, a month-long celebration of LGBTIQ culture and community that is celebrated around the world in June. Japan Airlines, EVMe and Agoda were among the official sponsors of events.

They want to entice the younger generation who has the potential to bring in money for their business because of it. So that’s why it’s a win- win situation, society tick, and also the company tick,” Mr Jhitsayarat said.

Companies should legitimately “appreciate this victory” and take advantage of the advantages to their business while also reviewing their own policies.

However,” Rain washing,” displaying superficial support for the LGBTQ community without taking any actual, real-world action, is a real risk, and businesses should be scrutinized for what they do for their employees for the remaining 11 months of the year, according to Mr. Sears.

” How are they treating their LGBT employees? What are they doing to support the community? What are their policies internally? Do they have non- discrimination? Are they actively promoting LGBT civil rights? If that’s the case, then it’s not rainbow washing, “he said.

Mr. Sears noted that Gen Z, the demographic group born between the late 1990s and 2010, succeeding millennials, are generally showing they care about diversity, inclusion, equality, and the climate and are becoming more prominent as employees in companies.

Governments and businesses that comply with those demands will gain a lot, he said.

Nearly 30 % of Gen Z adults identify as LBTIQ , which is far higher than any other demographic, according to a US study conducted in 2024 by the Public Religion Research Institute. Millennials are the second highest percentage, with 16 %.

According to the National Statistics Office, Gen Z accounted for one-fifth of the population in Thailand in 2019.

Senate passes landmark bill recognising marriage equality

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 18, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 18 Jun 2024 at 16: 53

On Tuesday, the Senate approved the marriage equality law’s ultimate reading, making it the second country in Asia to recognize same-sex couples after Nepal and Taiwan.

The Senate voted 130- 4 to complete the rules with 18 nays. The house will give it imperial approval. The legislation does become effective 120 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.

The move, which would produce Thailand the first nation in Southeast Asia to pass marriage equality legislation, was referred to as a “monumental step ahead” by LGBTQ advocates.

Thailand is already known for its lively LGBTQ culture and compassion, making it a favorite destination for tourists.

” This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality”, the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists and LGBTI couples said.

After earlier drafts of the bill failed to pass the legislature, the costs is the culmination of more than a decade of work by activists and politicians.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow clothing to honor Pride Month, led a parade through Bangkok’s roads at the beginning of June, along with hundreds of LGBTQ revelers and protesters.

The perfect chancellor may inaugurate Government House to observe the bill’s passage. A Pride Parade may be held by its adherents from Parliament to the prime minister’s office.

Mr. Srettha will work for them electronically as he is taking a few days off after being diagnosed with Covid- 19. &nbsp,

Thailand passes landmark Bill recognising marriage equality

By: Jing Write

On: June 18, 2024

In: Asia

Bangkok: On Tuesday ( Jun 18 ), the Thai Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law, making it the third nation in Asia to recognize same-sex couples after Nepal and Taiwan. The legislation was approved by almost all members of the upper house, and it will nowContinue Reading

PM to host VIPs as gender equality bill nears approval

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 16, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 17 Jun 2024 at 04: 35

Soon at Government House will host a reception to celebrate the union equality bill’s final day before it is approved, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

According to assistant state representative Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, the guest list includes Guests, members of the cabinet, and international envoys.

Investigators from Thai and international media stores are also expected to attend, according to Ms. Radklao.

The reception will be held on the grass in front of the Thai Ku Fah building, starting at 5pm, she said.

The Senate investigation committee has reviewed the union equality bill.

The Senate will be deliberating on Tuesday, so the costs is now available.

She continued, the law will then be presented to the government, the prime minister, and therefore His Majesty the King for approval if the Senate approves it.

She said the law will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, or sometime toward the close of the year.

She claimed that the welcome marks the start of the much-anticipated laws, which has been developing for a long time.

She said a festival, with participants marching to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre in Pathumwan city, may launch at 6pm on Tuesday.

In addition, shows, statements, music and groups of female different people will get staged, she said.

The lieutenant government spokeswoman said,” I’d like to encourage everyone to enjoy the beginning of a landmark event and show the world that Thailand is becoming the next country in Asia– after Taiwan and Nepal– and the first country in Southeast Asia to complete a same-sex marriage law.”

Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen to vie for 2025 InterPride meet

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 16, 2024

In: South-East Asia

Described: 16 Jun 2024 at 16: 06

According to Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, chairman of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen may engage to sponsor the 2025 InterPride World Conference.

He claimed that the government will choose the victor on July 11 before TCEB’s request to hold the meeting in Colombia in October will be made public there.

The InterPride World Conference, an annual event that takes place every five days and features representatives from roughly 600 Pleasure organizations from 40 different nations, is a forum for discussion about the state of LGBTQ motions and exchange stories about achieving gender equality.

The event has been held 41 days since 1982, mainly in Europe and North America, but never in Asia.

The event will be the first time it will be held in Asia, according to Mr. Chiruit, if Thailand is chosen as the number next month.

He claimed Thailand’s support for sex diversity can be demonstrated by the organization’s bid to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference.

For Phuket’s arrangements, Pattanachai Singhavara, chairman of the TCEB’s southwestern region business, will boost awareness about the meeting among citizens.

Phuket is a nicely- known destination with sun, sand, sea, excellent local food and facilities to help foreign conferences.

” We hope that Phuket may remain selected”, said Mr Pattanachai.

WorldPride in 2030 is another celebration that Thailand’s government wants to network.

It is among the most important occasions for LTBGQ internationally, hosted by InterPride, said Mr Chiruit.

It did entice a large population to Thailand, which may bring in a lot of money for the nation.

He claimed that about one million people attended the WorldPride function last year in Australia, which made a sizable profit.

Mr. Chiruit, who spoke on Thailand’s preparation for the WorldPride bet, stated that the nation had made significant progress in terms of gender equality, including the passage of the Marriage Equality Law, which is anticipated to become law this yr.

Marriage equality bill poised for final push

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 15, 2024

In: South-East Asia

The Senate’s last round of election is scheduled for this month, and the Marriage Equality Bill is expected to pass. Thailand will become the first nation in Southeast Asia to support gender equality with the passage of the expenses, which may become effective by the end of the year.

According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the state wants to reassure LGBTQ societies that Thailand is a loving and safe place to stay.

The Marriage Equality Bill ( or the” Bill of Civil and Commercial Code Amendment” ) is a bill intended to amend marriage laws and other marriage regulations to make sure same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

How did the idea consider keep?

The idea behind the costs began in 2001 when Interior Minister Purachai Piamsomboon proposed a law allowing same-sex unions.

” Is it time for Thailand to embrace identical- sexual relationship? Then we should consider what Thai society deems appropriate and what we can tolerate,” he said in April of that year.

He gave instances of nations that had passed similar laws, and Thailand does update its laws.

However, his plan was shot down by Thaksin Shinawatra, excellent minister at that time, who said Thailand was never ready for the queer problem.

Additionally, some politicians were against the plan.

It was reinstated in 2019 as a legal agreement costs while Gen Prayut Chan- o dah was in charge.

A civil partnership and union justice costs were approved in the House of Representatives in 2022, but they were dropped when congress wasdissolved to make way for the May 14th, 2023 general election.

The lower apartment approved four marriage equality charges in December of last year that the government, the Move Forward Party, the Democrat Party, and the legal field had all suggested. The majority of the material was drawn from the government proposal, which the House council established to examine the bills.

The wedding justice act was passed by the House on March 27.

What justifies such a laws, exactly?

According to the law, a community organization is a significant cultural development device, and Thailand requires legislation to raise the standard of living for its citizens.

But, the Civil and Commercial Code forbids the formation of people between men and women.

According to observers, this is inconsistent with the state of community now, where people made up of same-sex individuals are placed in foster care in the same way that they do those who are married.

In order for same-sex people to be engaged or married, some parts of the Civil and Commercial Code had been amended.

Married identical- sex couples may have similar rights, obligations, and community standing under the measure such as those of married men and women. The intention is to strengthen familial ties that are established between citizens regardless of sexual orientation.

What is happening then?

The bill was given its first checking by the Senate on April 2 and is currently being reviewed by a committee of the lower house of 27 members.

The council includes senators, legal community members and officials. On June 18, legislators are expected to cast a second vote on the act.

The lower apartment perhaps schedule a second round of voting to pass the law without the Senate’s approval.

Following legislative approval and royal support, the legislation is anticipated to go into effect 120 time after its publication in the Royal Gazette.

What are the important information?

The bill does allow relationship to people of the same sex and grant them the same rights as heterosexual couples.

They can even pick on other benefits including the right to choose children, control and acquire the assets of their spouses, the right to divorce, appropriate to state welfare if their spouses are civil servants, and tax deductions.

When they are 18 or older, their marriage can be registered. However, if they are under 20, they need to have parental consent.

The bill uses gender- neutral terms for a married couple as” two individuals” instead of” a man and a woman”, and their legal status is changed from “husband and wife” to” spouses”.

Can foreigners get their marriage registered?

Any national who is LGBTQ can register with their Thai spouses or have their marriage registered in Thailand. When the bill becomes law, same-sex couples who are married abroad will have the right to a spousal visa.

What can we expect?

When the law is enforced, it should create a better understanding among different groups, strengthen family institutions, empower children who are LGBTQ or living with LGBTQ families, ensure legal protections among LGBTQ families, and reinforce Thailand’s role as LGBTQ rights supporters in the international community and highlighting government’s intention to support their rights.

What needs to be improved?

Some portions of the bill still need to be modified. For instance, Section 1453 allows a woman to remarry after her husband passes away or divorces after 310 days unless the woman gave birth to the same spouse, remarries after the same spouse, has a medical certificate proving that she is not pregnant, or has a court order.

The amended bill still uses the phrase “woman,” which refers to a biological woman, and ignores those who can bear children like a transman who can still give birth.

The phrase “father and mother” is still in use to refer to a child’s parents, but the law has not yet changed that phrase.

As a gender-neutral term, civil organizations advise using the word “first-level guardian” to refer to a couple in sections relating to guardianship because it ensures the inclusion of all families.

Additionally, there is a need to change another related gender identity law, since transwomen and transwomen are still referred to as having their birth genders rather than their preferred gender.

Asian Pride Alliance to boost LGBTQIA2S+ rights

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 8, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 8 Jun 2024 at 08: 27

In Phuket, a group known as the Asian Pride Alliance ( APA ) initiative has been established to advance LGBTQIA2S rights and gender equality.

” Eastern Pride Alliance will serve as a secure place for the LGBTQIA2S community across the region, fostering equality and gaining respect for one’s rights in all sizes”, said Michelle Meow, manufacturer and APA advisory committee, who identifies as men.

The program and its accompanying events are a major pioneering program and the first of its kind at a local level in Asia, according to Mr. Meow, who was also a founding member of InterPride.

He said Phuket’s hosting and support of the event has created collaboration within the LGBTQIA2S community both regionally and globally.

Mr. Meow claimed that the LGBTQIA2S community’s celebrations have a strong foundation in the fight against prejudice and human rights violations.

He praised the alliance’s establishment as a powerful tool for bolstering regional allies, making a positive impact on the LGBTQIA2S community, and taking pride in being a part of an effort to advance equality and justice, according to him.

Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an APA co- founder, indicated the effort to bridge borders, fostering support and cooperation within the Pride Community in Thailand and across Asia.

” This marks a historic moment for the pride community”, Ms Plaifah said.

The group’s formation will have a significant impact on the visibility and advocacy for the LGBTQIA2S community in Asia and other areas.

The alliance will be able to drive forward in creating cooperation and strengthening the unity of the LGBTQIA2S community, she said.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, director of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau ( Tceb), said the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) on the alliance is the result of the cooperation, with participants from many countries, including the US, Turkey and Japan.

The signing of the MoU aims to encourage the growth of a network that fights for freedom of expression and human rights, which is Phuket’s first collaborative network.

The pride organizations in Phuket and more than ten southern provinces have collaborated.

” Thailand’s cultural values, including openness and respect, have enabled the LGBTQIA2S community to grow and coexist. As a government agency, we fully support the pride community in driving towards an equal society”, said Mr Chiruit. We think the establishment of the alliance will carry on Thailand’s commitment to regional cooperation and make it possible to host upcoming world pride events.

Survey aims to improve lives of LGBTQ+ population

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 2, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 14: 34

The first official study of the LGBTQ population in the country will be conducted by the National Statistical Office and partners between June and September to strengthen services for them.

The country has no statistics on this segment of the population, according to Kanjana Phumalee, the NSO’s chairman for coverage and educational statistics, because the majority of them refused to give out their personal details.

As a result, there was a lack of clear time that may help in policy development, she said.

In a poll on working conditions, the NSO and the Mahidol University Institute for Population and Social Research conducted a survey to learn more about the organization.

The comments in that study indicated that LGBTQ individuals accounted for only 0.7 % of communities nationwide. The findings &nbsp, suggested that 1.5 % of respondents aged 15- 20 home- identified as LGBTQ , Ms Kanjana said.

” Thai world needs to improve knowledge about sex diversity”, she said.

The new survey is being conducted by the NSO, Mahidol University’s population research institute, and ThailandHealth Promotion Foundation ( ThaiHealth ).

Poranee Puprasert, the foundation’s assistant director for ThaiHealth, claimed the organization had a goal to promote good health for all ethnic groups in the nation but that no accurate information was available about female variety.

Clear information about LGBTQ people had let the foundation to advertise their health properly, meet their needs and handle their particular issues, she said.

” This poll on the LGBTQ people will obtain reliable data on physical and mental health, living conditions, look, relationships, prejudices and discrimination”, Ms Poranee said.

” The information can be used to work out cultural, economic and health laws and actions and generate knowledge about LGBTQ problems, including health and economic injustice and the occurrence of discrimination”, she said.

Assoc Prof Kritaya Archavanitkul, assistant to the study job, said the state had always conducted a rigorous assessment of the population with gender diversity.

According to her, the study may be conducted from June to September. A study may be conducted on 2, 400 homes in Ratchaburi state and 1, 100 students between the ages of 15 and 25 in three different types of schools in Nakhon Pathom state.

There is also an online questionnaire on 1, 500 basic people aged 15 and above.

Conversations with members of the surveyed communities that include gender diversity may be conducted following the study. Queries will probe their understanding of health, gender identity, female, tastes and sexual orientation.

One of the most crucial factors for the creation of an diverse culture that reduces inequality and promotes&nbsp, fairness is, according to Assoc Prof. Kritaya.

Gender equality promotion to elevate kingdom”s economy

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2024

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 2 Jun 2024 at 05: 24

The state anticipates that Pride Month actions will boost the economy because it is willing to promote gender equality.

Prime Minister Srettha’s announcement to the media about gender equality came second, according to deputy state spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit, who spokeswoman for the government.

” The government wants to make sure society is open to diversity and equality in terms of age, gender, religion and social status and welcomes tourists from all over the world ,]with Thailand ] as a major Pride destination”, she said.

According to Ms. Kenika, who cites information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ), Pride Month events are likely to draw 860, 000 visitors and contribute at least 10 billion baht to the economy, according to Ms.

This month, the Po and members of the private sector are organizing Pride-related events in several regions, including the Chiang Mai province’s May 25 to June 30 Colorful Pride Festival and other marches and recitals.

The Pride Nation Samui International Festival, which will feature both Thai and international LGBTQ musicians, will also be held in Koh Samui in Surat Thani state on June 24 through 29.

On Friday, Mr Srettha presided over the opening of Bangkok’s Pride Festival 2024 at Siam Paragon, which may work until Tuesday.

He stated that Thailand’s groundbreaking marriage equality bill is expected to get passed quickly, making it one of the first countries in Asia to totally support equal rights. The move may boost Thailand’s image as a welcoming country for all vacationers, he said.

” The government does not only stop at the justice bill”, he said. We may also advocate for legislation to help sex workers and a bill recognizing sex, among other things.

The sex act he was referring to seeks to make it possible for those who do not state whether they are male or female on recognized files.

Thailand will also be able to host WordPride activities in 2030, he said.

Chai Wacharonke, a government official, earlier said the state is wooing LGBTQ people because they have large purchasing energy, love to travel and tend to stay long in the country than another customer groups.

However, the Phuket Patong town announced on Saturday that it would coordinate the organization of a Phuket Pride festival on June 9th. The event will begin at 5pm at Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, and be open to all.

Gender Equality (Page 5)

TOP TALENT AND EQUAL TREATMENT