Thai Women's Participation in the Economy
Introduction:
In the past two decades concern for increasing participation of women as equal partners in the sustainable development of their societies and the promotion of the elimination of discriminatory barriers against women in every field has grown rapidly. This includes creation of employment opportunities for women, delivery of education and training for women to increase their skills base, and improvement of the work environment specific to the needs of women. Women’s participation in the economy Women have made up around 50 percent of the total Thailand population for decades. In 2006, women account for 50.65 percent of the total population (31.82 million) and 65.1 % of women participated in labor force. Meanwhile, women’s labor force participation patterns are like those of men. As shown in figure 1, both male and female labor force participation rates gradually rose in the 1970s and 1980s. By the end of the 1980s, their participation began to drop. However, within the last 20 years, the female labor force participation ratio** has remained almost constant about 0.81, higher than average compared with other middle-income and low-income nations (as seen on table 1 and 2).
The high labor force participation ratio has indicated at least two possible implications. On one hand, proportionally more Thai women than women in many other countries endure the higher pressures of working outside the home while continuing to bear responsibilities for housework, child-rearing, and caring for family obligations. On the other hand, more Thai women have the freedom to choose their lifestyle or workplace, and can hire individuals to assist with domestic needs. Job opportunities are now much more accessible to women whose potential and capabilities have been recognized.
Figure 1: Labor Force Participation Rates By Sex, 1975-2006 Table 1: Female Labor Force Participation Ratio
Year Total Male Female Female Labor Force Participation Ratio
1994 74.0
In the past two decades concern for increasing participation of women as equal partners in the sustainable development of their societies and the promotion of the elimination of discriminatory barriers against women in every field has grown rapidly. This includes creation of employment opportunities for women, delivery of education and training for women to increase their skills base, and improvement of the work environment specific to the needs of women. Women’s participation in the economy Women have made up around 50 percent of the total Thailand population for decades. In 2006, women account for 50.65 percent of the total population (31.82 million) and 65.1 % of women participated in labor force. Meanwhile, women’s labor force participation patterns are like those of men. As shown in figure 1, both male and female labor force participation rates gradually rose in the 1970s and 1980s. By the end of the 1980s, their participation began to drop. However, within the last 20 years, the female labor force participation ratio** has remained almost constant about 0.81, higher than average compared with other middle-income and low-income nations (as seen on table 1 and 2).
The high labor force participation ratio has indicated at least two possible implications. On one hand, proportionally more Thai women than women in many other countries endure the higher pressures of working outside the home while continuing to bear responsibilities for housework, child-rearing, and caring for family obligations. On the other hand, more Thai women have the freedom to choose their lifestyle or workplace, and can hire individuals to assist with domestic needs. Job opportunities are now much more accessible to women whose potential and capabilities have been recognized.
Figure 1: Labor Force Participation Rates By Sex, 1975-2006 Table 1: Female Labor Force Participation Ratio
Year Total Male Female Female Labor Force Participation Ratio
1994 74.0