Stories & Activities

As a result, in 1991 (Thai year 2534), encouraged by the Chiang Mai Municipality, the five December community women’s group was established.  Following the establishment of this women’s group, women in the Five December community have become more resilient and financially independent and have gained economic opportunities. They also developed leadership skills. 

Women have played a crucial role in sustaining and transforming the 5 December Community. A group of 20 women, alongside community health volunteers, spearheaded initiatives to strengthen social coordination. Two women went on to study law and later became leaders of the community’s association. In partnership with Chiang Mai University, women’s groups conducted studies on legal protections for women, expanding their advocacy beyond the local level.

Furthermore, through campaigns and advocacy projects, such as the alcohol use reduction campaign, domestic violence due to alcohol consumption has decreased. They even formed their own community guards to protect women and children in the community, now numbering 26 members, including women. These community guards serve as a deterrent to perpetrators, warning them not to commit violence; if violence does occur, they report it to the police for further action. The women’s group currently focuses on four main areas: violence prevention, counseling, legal protection, and the emergence of a new generation of men.

However, there are still two major challenges in preventing and addressing violations against women in this community. First, the lack of inclusive laws. Some Thai laws limit women’s access to welfare systems; for example, the head of a household must be male; thus, when purchasing a house, it will be under the name of the husband, even if women contribute money when buying a house. When it comes to divorce, the property will be registered under the name of the husband, and the husband gets the property. Second, social norms and mindsets in society. There are still patriarchal mindsets among both men and women in the community, which allow the use of power to abuse others, and they remain deeply ingrained.

In addition, through collaboration with certain foundations (not naming them) and government funding, they provided vocational training for women, including making desserts, traditional Thai snacks and food, and flower arranging. This vocational training program is still accessible. They provide materials for setting up or establishing shops, but not direct financial support.

The community’s health care system is supported by 17 Village Health Volunteers and one caregiver. Their primary focus is on non-communicable diseases, using a survey application to monitor and support affected individuals. Volunteers undergo 70 hours of nursing training, though obtaining full certification as nurses remains a challenge.

The community has developed strong external partnerships. A private university medical center provides regular health check-ups, while residents participate in the government’s 30-baht health scheme, allowing hospitals to claim costs from the state. Private hospitals also collaborate with the municipality, providing wheelchairs and physical therapy services.