International Women's Day marked in Thailand

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) -- Activities were organised nationwide to mark the International Women's Day today. Participants called for an end to violence against women, especially to sexual harassment against females on public transport vehicles, and for respects for women's values and roles. Many organisations including Safe Cities for Women Thailand campaigned for safe public transport for women as a survey found that one-third of women faced various forms of harassment including courting, obscene and rude dialogues preceding rapes. The organisations urged harassed women to loudly blow whistles instead of remaining silent. About 1,000 female workers gathered at CAT Telecom Plc to propose the government increase the period of maternity leaves from 90 to 120 days with full payment of wages. They also demanded a 30-day paternity leave period with pay for working fathers. Besides, they sought equal postnatal financial aid for informal female workers, financial support for children until the age of six and adequate nurseries. In Bueng Kan province, about 2,000 women marched to encourage the general public to be aware of women's capabilities, values and importance. In Yala province, about 200 Buddhist and Islamic women of four southern border provinces marched for the same purpose and called for an end to violence against humans, especially women and children. (TNA)