October 17, 2024 | The Pullman King Power Hotel
Bangkok - UNFPA Thailand, in partnership with the Department of Health, Reckitt and key partners from the government sector, civil society, youth groups, and organisations that are dedicated to empowering women and girls in Thailand, hosts an event featuring a knowledge market, seminar, and experience sharing focused on the theme “Empowering Our Youth and Women: Access to SRH Rights and Choices.” The event aims to expand upon existing best practices and establish collaborations to ensure that all young women and individuals have access to reproductive health and rights. This event is part of the “Empowering our Youth Project, Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Family Planning for All” project, supported by Reckitt and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand.
In this partnership framework, partner agencies prioritise the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 5 (gender equality). Additionally, they offer opportunities for policymakers and related sectors to exchange experiences and innovations that will assist in the reduction of gender-based violence and the enhancement of the resilience of vulnerable groups.
Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Deputy Director General at the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, presided over the opening ceremony and remarks on the policy regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, stating, “The Department of Health plays a crucial role in advancing policies that empower reproductive-age populations, particularly youth and women, to access rights and services that fulfil their needs and entitlements. We shall persist in collaborating with our partners to establish a comprehensive and universal healthcare system.”
Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Country Director of UNFPA Thailand and Representative for UNFPA Malaysia, stated, “Reproductive health, rights, and choices must be universally accessible, and there are three key factors driving this. First, we need to ensure that women, girls, and youth from all backgrounds have access to accurate, comprehensive information and services that will enhance their understanding of sexual and reproductive health. This includes providing condoms, family planning services, and comprehensive sexuality education.
"Second, it's crucial to create an enabling environment that allows women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and vulnerable youth to access these services and information. We must address the cultural norms, values, and barriers that prevent them from realising their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
"Finally, we need to actively involve youth and women in all sexual and reproductive health programs and initiatives. Only through collaboration between the government, the private sector, and civil society can we achieve reproductive health, rights, and choices for everyone. This will empower youth and women to take charge of their futures, which is essential for genuine sustainable development.”
Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of the UNFPA Thailand Office, added, “Today’s event will serve as a knowledge market for policymakers from both the public and private sectors, along with networks addressing this issue, to exchange experiences, best practices, lessons learned, and applicable models for policies aimed at enhancing awareness of reproductive health, rights, and choices, as ‘Rights and Choices’ in sexual and reproductive health concern everyone.”
Dr. Panote Prapansilp, ASEAN Regional and Thailand Medical Affairs Director at Reckitt, shared, “Reckitt is honoured to collaborate with UNFPA and partners from the government, civil society, and youth groups to foster positive change by empowering youth and women. We are committed to ensuring that all populations, particularly youth and women from the most vulnerable groups, have equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services, thereby establishing a solid foundation for life development under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 5 (gender equality).”
This event is organised in collaboration with key partners, including the Regional Health Promotion Center 1 Chiang Mai, the Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health, Raks Thai Foundation, the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother, Palang Jo Group from Phrae province, Khon Waisai Group from Chiang Mai province, the Child and Youth Council of Thailand (CYCT), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). The event is part of the “Empowering our Youth Project, Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Family Planning for All” initiative, supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand and Reckitt, which aims to foster a society that enhances equal access to sexual and reproductive health.
See more photos: "Empowering Our Youth and Women: Access to SRH Rights and Choices"
Read more news:
https://www.matichon.co.th/publicize/news_4853363
https://www.banmuang.co.th/news/gallery/402308
https://www.publicpostonline.net/77124
https://www.bkkvariety.com/46966
https://www.thebetter.co.th/news/pr-news/22838
For more information, visit:
https://thailand.unfpa.org/th/Reckitt-UNFPA-TH
https://thailand.unfpa.org/th/News-Empowering-our-Youth-Project
Or contact: UNFPA Thailand
Email: sumalnop@unfpa.org
