Women Political Participation in Peacebuilding in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This article explores the historical, practical and consequences of women in political participation in the peace process during the ongoing conflict negotiations from 2004 until the present time. The author examines the cases of the Malay Muslims, who are the dominated populations in this violent conflict region and a significant minority group in Thailand, and the non-Malays who are also active in paving the way for peace making in various forms of activity in southern border provinces of country. Gender analysis of the intertwined ethno-religious and political identities of the Malays and non-Malays demands a need to reorientation of the concept of peace and security which contributed to illuminate deeply understanding of the society during conflict resolution.

APISA 17th Annual Congress (APISA2023) Official Conference Proceedings

“…Women, both Thai Buddhists and Malay Muslim communities, have led various initiatives. Women work in different fields, from providing mental support to the victims, acting as trust builders and community facilitators and influencing peace negotiation (Marddent, 2017;Buranajaroenkij, 2018). During the second round of peace talks in 2015, women's groups formed an umbrella collaboration of 23 women-led local organizations, namely (Peace Agenda of Women) PAOW.…”

Localizing UNSCR 1325 in Indonesia: Study of Local Women Religious Groups in Peacebuilding and Counter Radicalization

“…Based on Galtung's conception of positive peace, this study explores the extent to which women's perspectives and approaches influence peace-building efforts by examining how they build the structure and culture needed to make peace. Previously, a study by Marddent (2017) examined a similar case. In the article, Marddent (2017) analyzes the role Muslim women's groups play in conflict areas in Southern Thailand, showing the various forms of influence their beliefs have on peace building there.…”

“…This movement has a long history where women were involved in political reform in Thailand after the resistance to the military dictator in 1973 and the student movement's massacre in 1976. Marddent (2017) then underlined that the mindset of the women's movement members, who believe that inner peace will help society's peace process, eventually contribute to the peace-building measures. Upon their beliefs, the female Muslim groups in Southern Thailand mobilized various civil organization movements that aimed to develop da'wah and create peace-making networks based on religious views (Marddent 2017, 241-242).…”