Women 'inferior' in politics

Young women in politics are still looked down upon as being inexperienced, while their ability to perform roles is often questioned, a forum was told on Wednesday.

Speaking at a discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association, deputy government spokeswoman, Rachada Dhnadirek said parliament has appointed a working team to work on the issue of promoting gender equality.

"Their work will also cover individuals who consider themselves as belonging to the third gender category," she said.

"The team will seek to stop unfair hiring practices and discriminatory behaviour, such as gender-specific working contracts which stand in the way of an employee getting a promotion," she added.

According to Ms Rachada, the only way to solve the issue is by changing people's mindsets to be more accepting of people of different genders and sexual orientation.

"This calls for a revision of the school curriculum, which should reflect the need to treat people fairly regardless of their gender identities," she said, before emphasising the need to improve women's safety in public places

Kunthida Rungruengkiat, a 35-year-old Future Forward Party MP, said her work is often hindered by her gender.

"Many people in parliament question my qualifications and my readiness to take on the role of an MP, just because I'm a young woman," she said.

"Many won't even bother to consider a woman's ability to work. This mindset needs to change."

Thanikan Pornpongroj, a Palang Pracharath Party MP, said gender inequality stems partly from male domination of society.

"People of different genders must be treated with respect," she said.