Take Five Thailand: “Prioritizing the needs of marginalized groups in economic growth policies isn't just about fairness, it's about optimizing the effectiveness and sustainability of economic development itself”

Alisa Sivathorn is a Disability Inclusion and Empowerment Specialist at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH). She is actively involved in projects and initiatives related to disability inclusion, business integrity, and the intersection of disability rights and economic development in the Asia and Pacific region. Prior to her work with the UNDP, she co-founded two startup companies focused on providing solutions for social problems such as persons with disability and the environment.

Alisa, as a leader committed to promoting inclusive economic growth, what inspired your transition into advocating for diversity and inclusion along with economic development?

I do not think that what happened to me was a “transition.” I would call it a “realization.” Ten years ago, I worked on a project empowering women with disabilities in Thailand. I had the chance to travel to many provinces, talk to them, and learn from these women’s experiences. I heard many stories from women with different types of disabilities. I learned that the challenges in their lives did not only occur because of their disabilities, but also due to other identities they possessed. They could not attend school because their parents feared for their safety. They could not go to work because there was no accessible public transportation available. When they faced gender-based violence (GBV), they could not escape because they were very dependent on their families, and most of the time, the violence occurred within their families.

I then vowed to empower persons with disabilities to reach their maximum potential, recognizing that we cannot only focus on the disabilities themselves since there are other factors that play a crucial role in their lives. It dawned on me that the disabled community is very diverse, made up of women, men, children, LGBTIQ+, Indigenous people, and more. So, how could we make society more equitable and inclusive for all?

Your work focuses on the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and sustainable development. Could you explain why it’s essential to prioritize the needs of marginalized groups in policies designed to drive economic growth?

Economic development cannot be promoted to its fullest growth without the involvement of all groups in the population. Prioritizing the needs of marginalized groups in economic growth policies isn't just about fairness—though that's a crucial aspect. It's also about optimizing the effectiveness and sustainability of economic development itself. Here is why this is very important:

Marginalized groups often face barriers to full participation in the economy, such as limited access to education, healthcare, or financial resources. By addressing these barriers, policies can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth. This leads to a more inclusive economy where the talents and innovations of all individuals are harnessed. When marginalized communities are empowered and provided with equal opportunities, their increased participation can significantly boost economic productivity and innovation. Diverse perspectives and experiences can drive creativity and problem-solving, leading to more dynamic and robust economic systems.

Additionally, inclusive policies that address the needs of marginalized groups can contribute to more sustainable economic practices by promoting social cohesion, reducing inequality, and fostering long-term stability. Economic disparities can lead to social tensions and instability. By addressing the needs of marginalized communities, policies can contribute to social harmony and stability, which are essential for sustained economic growth. A society where people feel valued and have opportunities for advancement is more likely to be cohesive and supportive of broader economic goals.

In summary, integrating the needs of marginalized groups into economic growth policies is not just a matter of ethical imperative but also a strategic approach to fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economy.

The conversation around inclusion and equity has evolved significantly over the last decade. How has the commitment to diversity and inclusion translated into tangible changes within the economic landscape of your country, Thailand?

There are several changes in the Asia and Pacific region, including Thailand. The leading three developments that have improved economic development are:

First, an increase in gender representation in leadership. Many organizations in the region have made strides in improving gender diversity and the representation of marginalized groups in leadership positions. Organizations in both public and private sectors are implementing policies to support women and underrepresented groups in reaching executive roles, which has led to more inclusive decision-making processes and perspectives at the top levels.

Second, economic opportunities and growth. Embracing diversity and inclusion has opened up new economic opportunities. For instance, firms that prioritize diverse talent pools often experience enhanced creativity and innovation, leading to better business outcomes. In some cases, this has translated into increased competitiveness in global markets.

Third, policy and regulation changes. Governments across the region are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. This has led to the implementation of regulations and policies aimed at promoting equal opportunity in the workplace. For example, some countries have introduced laws requiring companies to report on gender diversity and pay equity.

With the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action approaching, how do you assess the landscape of women's rights and gender equality has evolved in Thailand? What are the most notable changes you have witnessed?

From what I have witnessed in Thailand so far, one of the major changes in our society has been having more women and people from the LGBTIQ+ community represented in high-level positions. For example, we have more women sitting in the House of Parliament, both Lower and Upper Houses. There are MPs who represent the LGBTIQ+ and Indigenous communities, and recently, the greatest number of women in the cabinet. I think Thai society now understands and recognizes that the voices of all genders and other marginalized groups should be heard. Additionally, Thailand passed important new legislation that recognized the rights to marriage for same-sex couples.

What three critical issues of gender equality would you like to highlight for urgent attention from national authorities and What are your expectations for Beijing+30?

I strongly believe that individuals, regardless of gender identity, should have the right to form families and receive equal support from the government. In Thailand, however, there is no policy that grants same-sex parents parental leave to care for their newborns. Extending parental leave to all genders would send a clear message that national authorities value family institutions in all their diversity, and it would also be a significant step in supporting the recently enacted same-sex marriage bill. Although there has been progress in increasing the representation of women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles, their presence is still too small to drive substantial policy changes. Women and LGBTIQ+ individuals in high-level positions continue to face discrimination and gender-based stigmas, such as female politicians enduring verbal harassment from male counterparts and public doubts about their competence. Finally, gender is often seen as a “women’s issue,” which overlooks its broader impact on various communities like people with disabilities, youth, and Indigenous populations. Our government needs to recognize that inclusive attitudes toward gender and diversity are crucial for effective policy-making. Without an understanding of intersectionality, no policy will truly serve the diverse needs of society. The greatest challenge in advocating for inclusive policies is overcoming the social attitudes that heavily influence how policies are framed and whether they address the lived experiences of people with diverse gender identities.

I wish to see this platform not only provide space for women but also for other groups that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action should focus more attention on, such as women with disabilities, Indigenous women, and others. When space is made for women, often only successful women are leading the dialogue, while women from the general population should also be recognized. Not every woman can speak on behalf of other women, so opportunities for women from underrepresented groups need to be increased.