Students from Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Japan
Explore Gender and Development in Thailand:
A Study Visit with AIT's GDS Program

12 Sep 2024

From August 27 to September 8, 2024, the Asian Institute of Technology’s Gender and Development Studies (GDS) program hosted students from Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) for a 12-day study visit in Thailand. This program offered students a deeper look into women’s empowerment, human rights, and refugee issues in Thailand.

The four NUFS students visited key organizations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Lopburi, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Thai Transgender Alliance (Thai TGA), and the Thai Women Empowerment Fund. These visits helped them explore Thailand’s strategies for tackling gender inequality and social inclusion challenges.

Key Organizational Visits:

  • International Organization for Migration (IOM): At IOM, the students learned about the vital work being done to support refugees and migrants in Thailand. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, who often experience exploitation and gender-based violence.
  • Thai Transgender Alliance (Thai TGA): This visit focused on the rights and welfare of transgender individuals in Thailand. The students engaged in discussions on the legal challenges transgender people face, such as the need for a gender recognition law, gaining insights into the cultural contexts surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Thai Women Empowerment Fund: Students explored Thailand’s efforts to economically empower women, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds. Inspiring stories of women using financial support to lift themselves out of poverty reinforced the critical role of economic independence in advancing gender equality.

Field Visit to Khok Salung Community: The students spent four days in the rural Khok Salung community in Lopburi, where they witnessed grassroots development initiatives firsthand. They engaged with local women’s groups who engage in traditional weaving, cooking and learned about sustainable tourism and organic farming, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexities of rural development.

Reflection and Global Learning: Led by Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, the GDS chair, the students reflected on their experiences, comparing the gender and development challenges in Thailand with those in Japan. These discussions deepened their understanding of how different cultural and social contexts influence gender equality.

This study visit strengthened the collaboration between AIT and NUFS, leaving the students inspired to advocate for gender equality and social justice in their future careers.