In partnership with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, The Nation organized “Thailand’s International Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Day 2023” on June 16 at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus. The university’s Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources also played a vital role in making this event successful.
The seminar aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and featured expert presentations with case studies and examples to inspire organizations to implement them effectively.
DEI helps executives understand, embrace, and support diversity among employees, including factors such as race, culture, socio-economic background, physical disabilities, gender, and experiences. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where all employees are treated equitably and feel included instead of marginalized.
Creating a better workplace
Human resources departments from various firms were invited to discuss establishing a better workplace for people of all genders. In her opening remarks, Jintana Chanbamrung, director-general of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, said: “It won’t take 300 years to make a difference in terms of diversity in our country if everyone is willing to change and becomes conscious of it. We need everyone participating to create a better society for all people.”
Jintana outlined several essential topics for the government and society to address, such as dressing according to gender identity, gender-inclusive restrooms, breastfeeding rooms, and daycare facilities, combating LGBTQ+ bullying and hate speech, ensuring equal career opportunities for all genders, combating sexual harassment in all its forms, and the freedom to choose one’s own title.
By focusing on these issues, Jintana emphasized the need for inclusivity, equality, and respect for all individuals in society.
Understanding DEI principles
The first session of the seminar, led by Nhabhakhavhat Kittithamavoot, chief people and culture officer at EXO Group, introduced DEI principles covering various dimensions of diversity, such as gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, among others. Nhabhakhavhat detailed the value of organizational diversity, sharing a case study demonstrating its impact.
Moreover, she elaborated on the difference between equality and equity. Equality ensures equal opportunities and rights for all people, regardless of their differences, while equity acknowledges and addresses unique needs and circumstances of individuals, aiming for fairness and justice. Nhabhakhavhat emphasized the importance of considering individual circumstances and providing targeted support to foster inclusivity.
In conclusion, she discussed the significance of inclusion in creating a diverse and vibrant world. Inclusion ensures that no one is marginalized and promotes respect, acceptance, and value for all. She also mentioned companies like Microsoft that have embraced inclusivity and hired visually impaired employees. By integrating DEI principles into organizations, she stressed the pursuit of a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
Trials of a transgender person
The second session, conducted by Risa Siriwat, co-founder of “Trans for Career,” shared her struggles and experiences applying for jobs as a transgender woman. Risa highlighted the challenges faced by the transgender community in equal job opportunities and the discrimination they often encounter.
Currently a fund manager at Kiatnakin Bank, Risa’s journey was not easy. She chose to study economics at Thammasat University, where students are encouraged to freely express their individuality. Despite submitting numerous resumes without receiving responses, Risa co-founded “Trans for Career” as a platform to enhance career prospects for transgender people.
Risa’s session emphasized the importance of creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for transgender individuals, ensuring equal access to job opportunities and dignity and respect in their professional lives.
Understanding gender and sexuality
In the first afternoon session, Vitaya Saeng-Aroon, Programme Director of DiversityInThailand.org, discussed how gender cannot be fully defined by words alone. He outlined four key components for understanding people’s sexuality: biological sex, gender identity, social gender, and sexual orientation. A deeper understanding of an individual’s sexuality can be achieved by considering these four aspects.
Vitaya highlighted the growing acceptance of gender and sexuality issues in society, driven by advocacy and demonstrations. However, he noted that legal adjustments ensuring equal marriage rights for all genders were necessary for events like World Pride to come to Bangkok.
A growth-oriented strategy
In the final session, Pitchayaanit (Ray) Panawiwattanakarn, founder of the Pride Network, and Suparluck Suparphul, a global LGBTQ employee at Microsoft, discussed how adopting DEI principles leads to a more dynamic and growth-oriented strategy for organizations. The speakers shared stories about the challenges faced by individuals transitioning to being gay, highlighting the importance of creating a platform and support system for LGBTQ individuals within organizations.
Establishing the Pride Network, Pitchayaanit and Suparluck collaborated with HR departments to advocate for LGBTQ benefits. Companies that prioritize DEI principles witness a 35% higher growth rate and gain support from clients and partners, benefiting both employee engagement and external relationships.
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