MEASURING WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: EFFORTS AND IMPACTS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DEEP SOUTH OF THAILAND

Abstract

This study examined women's civil society organizations (CSOs) in Thailand's deep south conflict-affected region. It emphasized the institutional evolution of women's CSOs from 2004 to 2020 and the impacts of CSOs on women's empowerment. At the macro level, the theoretical approach of historical institutionalism was used to analyze the associated factors including historical legacy, path dependence, and a critical juncture of the evolution of women's CSO. At the micro level, the feminist analysis was used to measure the impact of women's CSOs programs on women's empowerment which was categorized into three levels of empowerment: personal, relational, and environmental. The study provided comprehensive analyses based on an empirical data set obtained from 10 CSOs and 309 women in the three southernmost border provinces of Patani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The study found that the conflict that escalated in 2004 was a critical juncture for women's CSOs as they were institutionalized over time and became change agents. Women's CSO agendas have gradually shifted from victim compensation projects to a larger gendered agenda of empowerment and peace initiatives. Over the past 16 years, women's CSOs have embarked on a path of institutional change, moving from informal to formal contributions to peace process. On the other hand, the survey results showed that conflict experience was a strong motivator for women to join CSOs. The trend toward higher levels of empowerment among women who participated in CSO programs occurred as a result of the diverse identity composition of CSOs.

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