Large Thai Blossom Pin

Key Issues Facing Women and Children:

• Domestic Violence
• Human trafficking
• Influx of Refugees

Thailand is the only state in Southeast Asia to have never have been colonized by another nation state. Women from this tropical climate have rich cultural traditions, making it appealing to outsiders. However, many entrenched social norms are obstacles in the path towards Thai women’s equality.

Key issues for women in Thailand include HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and sexual trafficking. While the government has made huge strides in curbing HIV/AIDS transmission by mass condom distribution and education, sexual trafficking and violence continues to put women at risk for HIV/AIDS.

On a large scale, the country experiences the strain of refugees as well as the pulls of the global economy, which directly affect the status of women as well. Over 100,000 individuals are considered people of concern to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, individuals including internally displaced persons and asylum seekers. Conflict and ethnic tensions in bordering countries such as Burma add to the huge numbers in refugee camps.

Domestic violence and rape within marriage is an increasing concern for Thai women. It is disputed whether the higher incidence of domestic violence is related to increased education regarding violence and thus higher reporting rates, or simply increased levels of violence. While a draft law on domestic violence is currently under review, the lack of resources such as shelters, means of employment and research on women experiencing violence are present obstacles to alleviating this suffering.

Thailand is also considered a hub for human trafficking and sex tourism. Often young girls and women are lured, kidnapped or coerced into prostitution or sent overseas into domestic servitude. While these activities are internationally illegal, many factors including corruption, lax enforcement, and views of women prevent the overthrow of this industry. Education and economic empowerment are the main tools needed to obtain new opportunities for Thai women and close the door on oppressive activities.

Female Life Expectancy at Birth: total population: years male: 70.24 years female: 74.98 years (2007 est.)
Total Fertility rate: 1.64 children born per woman
Infant Mortality rate: male: 20.13 deaths/1,000 live births, female: 17.51 deaths/1,000 live births
Adult Literacy Rate: (age 15 and over can read and write) total population: 92.6%, Male: 94.9%, female: 90.5%
Per Capita Income: $1,200 (2006 est.)

• 3" diameter
• 100% Cotton
• Available in red, orange, or lime

$15.00 USD

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The women in our collective in Northern Thailand have been creating high-quality handmade cotton products for over three decades. They begin with local cotton and through a labor-intensive and delicate series of processes, create unique fabrics that are then made into gorgeous handbags and home decor items. The job training provided by this collective provides women with uncommon skills for the region, opening the door for their long-term financial stability and job security.

• Creates colorful one-of-a-kind textiles with local cotton and natural dyes
• Provides highly-skilled jobs for rural Thai women