Report on Empowering Young People to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in Southern Thailand’s Schools

Introduction

In southern Thailand, students aged 12 to 16 are actively engaged in preventing violence against women and girls through the Voices against Violence curriculum. This initiative, developed by UN Women in partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, addresses critical issues such as gender equality, power dynamics, consent, and respectful relationships. The programme aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Programme Implementation

The programme was implemented in two secondary schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: Satree Thungsong School and Chian Yai School. It was supported by UN Women through a partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

1. Participants: 120 students aged 12 to 16.
2. Sessions: 15 interactive sessions focusing on gender equality, power, consent, and respectful relationships.
3. Methods: Group discussions, journaling, creative expression, and peer-led outreach activities.
4. Outreach: The “Take Action” initiative empowered students to reach over 2,500 peers, teachers, and community members.

Key Activities and Outcomes

• Critical Conversations: Students explored and challenged harmful gender norms and violence.
• Student-Led Actions: Creation of social media pages, school plays, gallery walks, and awareness billboards.
• Safe Spaces: Installation of anonymous suggestion boxes for students to share concerns safely.
• Emotional Growth: Encouragement of self-expression and inclusion, supporting students in understanding their identities.

Impact on Students and Community

The programme significantly enhanced students’ understanding and ability to respond to violence:

• Over 70% of participants reported increased confidence in responding to unsafe situations.
• More than half had already taken proactive steps such as supporting peers or organizing awareness activities.
• Students adopted new language to describe harmful behaviors and actively spoke out during school assemblies.
• Parents and teachers recognized the programme’s value in promoting peaceful conflict resolution and respect for rights.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This initiative contributes directly to several SDGs:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By addressing emotional and physical violence, the programme promotes mental health and well-being among youth.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: The curriculum fosters inclusive and equitable quality education through interactive and participatory learning.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Central to the programme, it challenges gender-based violence and promotes equality and empowerment of all genders.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Encourages inclusion and respect for diverse identities and experiences.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Supports peaceful, inclusive societies by equipping young people to prevent violence and advocate for justice.

Statements from Participants and Stakeholders

• “At first, I thought violence only caused physical pain. But now I understand it can leave lasting emotional effects.” – Nok, 15 years old.
• “When we see someone being hurt, we should say or do something. We should not stay silent.” – Mee, 14 years old.
• “Now, I feel more confident to speak up.” – Nam, 16 years old.
• “When young people are equipped with the right tools and support, they can challenge harmful norms, influence their peers and become powerful advocates for change in their communities.” – Somchai Yensabai, UN Women Thailand Country Programme Coordinator.
• “When men join efforts like this, it sends a powerful message that violence against women and girls must never be tolerated.” – Kanongsak Songsri, parent.
• “A school free from violence fosters learning and supports students’ growth.” – Prangthipa Chumchob, teacher at Chian Yai School.

Conclusion

The Voices against Violence programme in southern Thailand demonstrates the critical role of youth empowerment in preventing violence against women and girls. By fostering gender equality, respect, and active citizenship, the initiative advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals and creates safer, more inclusive school environments. Continued support and expansion of such programmes are essential for sustaining progress toward ending violence and achieving gender equality.

Note: Names of students have been changed to protect their identities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article discusses educational programmes in schools that promote gender equality and respectful relationships, contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Central to the article is the prevention of violence against women and girls and empowerment of young people to challenge harmful gender norms.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article highlights efforts to prevent violence and promote peaceful and inclusive environments within schools and communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including in schools and communities.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices and promote empowerment of women and girls.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels (implied through student-led initiatives and school leadership involvement).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 4.7: Inclusion of gender equality and respectful relationship education in school curricula, measured by the implementation of the Voices against Violence programme and student engagement in interactive sessions.
2. Indicators for SDG 5.2 and 5.3:
   • Percentage of students reporting confidence in responding to unsafe situations (over 70% as per monitoring data).
   • Percentage of students taking action to prevent violence (over half had taken action).
   • Number of outreach activities designed and delivered by students (reaching more than 2,500 peers, teachers, and community members).
3. Indicators for SDG 16.1 and 16.7:
   • Reduction in incidents of violence reported or addressed within schools (implied through safer school environments and student-led initiatives).
   • Participation rates in decision-making and peace-promoting activities by students and school leadership (implied through peer-led “Take Action” initiatives and suggestion boxes reviewed by school leadership).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: asiapacific.unwomen.org