To commemorate International Women's Day on March 8, the United Nations announced that "Gender Equality Today For A Sustainable Tomorrow" would be the theme of this year's celebrations. In the spotlight would be recognising the selfless actions of women and girls around the world who fight for a sustainable future. Keeping that in mind, Guru speaks to passionate Thai female spearheads, who shoot for social and environmental changes, about their projects and personal notes.
Rosalyne Sirinda
A young, passionate Rosalyne "Rosie" Sirinda raises social awareness on global matters through her online non-profit youth community, Choosechange (IG: @choosechange.co), which deals with social awareness, discourse and change, allowing netizens to share and join her investigations.
How did Choosechange come about?
Rosalyne Sirinda.
I co-founded Choosechange with three friends in June 2020. In high school, we noticed that Thai politics always are cut off in the discussion, although it's the whole shooting match of our lives. I started Choosechange because of the scandal of the justice management involving the Red Bull heir, which I believe is an important matter of injustice that we must be aware of. Choosechange focuses on social awareness, discourse and change. We cover news about "global issues" such as feminism, economic inequality and racism. A voice and an opportunity are what Choosechange provides for youth who want to make changes within their community. Apart from the articles that we provide on our online channel, we also host webinars and offer action-oriented projects. We hope to open up chapters globally.
What are the obstacles to achieving gender equality in Thailand?
We lack government help to support gender equality in Thailand. Although many female public figures help us tackle the issue of gender inequality and empower our confidence, it's much more than that. It's about discussing the root of the problem, like gender-based violence, and clarifying that, for women, gender equality is not only about offering opportunities for economic position or importance.
From my observation, gender equality in Thailand is recognised only in middle-to-upper-class families. In some cases, the lower-income class doesn't get much guidance on what gender equality really means, lacking the support that should be indicated through a proper education system that everyone can access. Gender stereotyping happens at every turn, as it's normal to judge or categorise the way that women should be by their appearance or how much they make per month. In Thailand, there is a specific look that women should wear or a specific type of personality we should have, such as soft and agreeable. On second thought, we are domesticated by conservative etiquettes so that we don't trouble the men.
What would you do to promote gender equality?
I would come up with more topics that are not only for upper-middle-class people to attend. I noticed that activities and campaigns for gender equality are only accessible to affluent people. However, those altruistic campaigns rolled out for lower-income people often come with a charitable catch, which wouldn't put those who are suffering really at ease.
The ideal way to promote equality is through teaching them in a classroom, educating the youth to address the stereotyping of how males should perceive females and vice versa. Plus, I envision gradual changes in communities, such as teaching women how to protect themselves or allowing women to access necessities like a tampon comprehensively.
What's your message for International Women's Day?
Stop trying to fit in with the status quo. Start embracing who you are and believe in yourself. A personal note for Thai girls: Don't be afraid to express your true self or opinions. Even though we tend to be persuaded to go down a specific route of being an ideal female, believe me, it'll be your day one day.
Salisa Traipipitsiriwat
Salisa "Yam" Traipipitsiriwat leads the Net Free Seas project of the Environmental Justice Foundation (fb.com/EJFThailand), which addresses ocean waste in Thailand that arises from leftover fisherman's nets. The project creates a circular economy for more than 100 fishing communities across Thailand.
How did you become interested in the environment?
Environmental conservation has been on my watch since I was a kid. The turning point that led me to this path was when I got a chance to help at a refugee camp in Greece in 2019. Talking to one of the refugees from South Sudan enlightened me on how serious natural disasters would have affected us. They told me that their people were starving to death because they didn't have enough food and clean water after their hometown had been swept away by Mother Nature. After witnessing the casualties of natural disasters, I was determined to work in the environment sector.
Salisa Traipipitsiriwat.
Tell us about the Net Free Seas project.
When we talk about plastic waste in the ocean, most people think of water bottles, plastic bags or straws. We forget about the deadly tiny pieces of discarded fishing nets that are also harmful to marine wildlife. The Net Free Seas is an environmental project under the Environmental Justice Foundation, aiming to rid Thailand's waters of the microplastic wastes leftover from fishing equipment. By working with more than 100 fishing communities across the country, we create a circular economy of fishing nets by instructing locals to collect and clean the discarded nets. The plastic waste is sorted and sold to recycling plants participating in our project. We have two factories that convert the excess nets into raw materials for new products. More than 33 tonnes of nets have been collected so far.
Personally, as everyone is a consumer, the easiest way to take part in tackling plastic waste matters is to understand and acknowledge the causes and impacts of the problems. Although you see plastic waste in the ocean as something that doesn't concern you and your front yard is clean, many unfortunate victims and communities are affected by your waste without having a choice. You can join us at the panel discussions to grasp the root of plastic waste problems, helping us raise our voices to call for change for a promising future.
Keeping the UN's theme for International Women's Day in mind, can gender equality lead to a sustainable tomorrow?
First of all, we need to understand what sustainability is. My key takeaway: a sustainable world is one where ecosystems are restored and maintained, including that every human being has the right to have an equal voice. Whether it be environmental, economic or social, sustainability is linked to every part and relates to our being. People of all ages play a vital role in building a sustainable world because each of us has different expertise and experience in different ways. But the ugly truth is that not everyone in the world has an equal right, meaning not every voice is 'heard' and taken into account.
However, 'sustainability' is impossible without giving and listening to everyone equally, regardless of gender, race, social status and beliefs. On the other hand, it would be even better if society was open to all, and that was the sustainable world I wanted to live in.
What's your message for International Women's Day?
Don't forget to speak for others if your voice is loud and being heard.
Aracha Boon-Long
Aracha Boon-Long isn't a new face on the Thai environmental conservation scene. She has been enhancing the bustling walking streets of Chiang Mai through the No Foam For Food (fb.com/nofoam) campaign by persuading local vendors to dish up their food in biodegradable containers instead of plastic. Recently, she took a big step in her career by partaking in the environmental association of Doi Luang Chiang Dao (fb.com/welovedoichiangdao) after the mountainous region was registered by Unesco as the fifth Biosphere Reserve in Thailand last September.
Tell us about your journey as an environmentalist?
No Foam For Food was one of my first sustainable projects, co-founded 10 years ago. My friends and I encouraged local vendors on Tha Pae and Wua Lai walking streets to serve their food in biodegradable containers made out of bagasse and banana leaves instead of plastic. We were amazed that the plastic containers we used for pad Thai for only five minutes stayed and left us with an impactful environmental burden for the next 2,000 years. It didn't make any sense, honestly. So, we teamed up with a non-governmental organisation and environmental packaging company -- Greenery.Beauty.Scent and Gracz -- to sell biodegradable containers at affordable prices to vendors.
Aracha Boon-Long.
After that, I walk on the environmental protection path at a stretch. Not long ago, after Doi Luang Chiang Dao was registered by Unesco, I took a huge step to partake in the environmental association of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. I work side-by-side with the government and private sectors to protect the area by organising activities to raise awareness regarding Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
Keeping the UN's theme for International Women's Day in mind, can gender equality lead to a sustainable tomorrow?
I'd like to say that I'm selfish. I'm willing to move mountains by working on environmental conservation around the clock for myself and my beloved ones to live in a better, sustainable world. In terms of gender equality, I don't face any sexism at work, but I've received a lot of support from men who bring me and other female environmentalists to the forefront. Gender inequality has never been a problem for me because we respect each other's opinions and expertise as we share the same goal of protecting the environment and fighting for our future.
What's your message for International Women's Day?
Nature has created humans in such a way that we can be anything we want to be. We haven't been made to be labelled by a word. It's only our physique and appearance that can differentiate us. Whether you are a male or female, or any other gender, it doesn't affect your determination, as long as your attitude and intentions are the driving force behind success. I admire the commitment and determination of everyone in the world who has stepped out of their comfort zone. You can show the world how amazing you are by taking part in doing something for the common good of the people and the country. Step-by-step and day-by-day. You can make some changes by just taking action.
Ireal Traisarnsri
Ireal "Oi" Traisarnsri created social enterprise Art For Cancer By Ireal (fb.com/artforcancerbyireal) after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a decade ago. It's a project focused on improving and uplifting cancer patients' lives. Oi and her partners provide emotional and financial support by using creative activities to spread advice and knowledge. She also works with specialised doctors to obtain beneficial and reliable medical information for all cancer fighters.
How did you feel when you were first told you had breast cancer?
I was completely stone deaf for a minute when my doctor told me that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I can't believe that it happened to me at such a young age. Looking back to the cause of my disease will always leave me with a big question mark, as I was a former athlete who had paid attention to every meal and worked out regularly, and no one in my family was diagnosed with cancer in their medical records before. I was diagnosed with breast cancer one week before I started my new chapter of studying abroad in the United Kingdom. Everything fell apart, including my future, after I was told that I had been diagnosed with cancer.
Ireal Traisarnsri.
What was your biggest self-discovery after you were diagnosed?
Life is uncertain. I once believed that I had plenty of time to enjoy life. However, after being snapped by my cancer diagnosis, I'm enlightened and understand the eternal truth of life that anything can happen to you by chance. Now I'm appreciating every single detail in my life because I can't guarantee others and myself that I would wake up tomorrow morning. My clock is ticking slowly, so I want to live my life happily in the way I want, inspiring myself and all fighters along the way.
What three things would you tell a person who has just learnt they have cancer?
Concentrate on what is happening in front of you, though this advice is even for those who are confronted with difficult situations. I know that no one wants this to happen, but you need to accept the truth and move on. Take as much time as you need. After getting yourself together, the next step is to plan treatments. Prepare to cope with the changes. Don't be afraid to talk to the doctors or tell people that you have cancer because they are the ones who will help you get through this. One last thing you can do is to always cheer yourself and live in the present, appreciating everything in detail. Try not to let your mind jump to the worst conclusions. It's okay to feel miserable. But don't dig deep into hopelessness. A positive attitude is important. Cancer is a disease that can be dealt with. Strengthen your heart by embracing it.
What's your International Women's Day message?
All women have the potential that men can't compete with, such as motherhood or sensibility. Don't devalue yourself by comparing yourself to others. Go beyond your limitations. Regardless of how big or small the changes are that you want to make, you can accomplish everything in your life if you just believe in yourself.
Survivor Planner by Art For Cancer By Ireal
The battle against cancer doesn't only mean focusing on conquering the disease but learning to deal with it. Oi has launched a "Survivor Planner" for cancer patients and caregivers to see the big picture. It is a guide for all fighters created from knowledge and know-how of Oi's personal experience through 10 years of treatment. Find advice for chemotherapy, ways to take care of yourself, inspirational quotes and a note section to record your mental well-being. Sign up at bit.ly/3ImUAcp to get a Survivor Planner for free.
