The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee and the Federation of State Enterprise Labour Regions joined hundreds of women in a protest march from the Democracy Monument to Government House today (Wednesday), International Women’s Day, to demand the protection of women’s rights, better rights for women and eradication of harassment against women in the workplace.

They submitted a nine-point list of demands to the government.

They demand the Thai Government’s commitment to four conventions of the International Labour Organisation, namely Convention 177 on home working, Convention 183 on matrimony protection, Convention 189 on domestic workers and Convention 190 on suppression of violations and harassment in workplaces.

Other demands include 180-days of maternity leave, 30-days of paternity leave, 3,000-baht monthly subsidy for every child aged up to six, a minimum wage increase, access to social security rights under Section 33 of the Social Security Act for domestic workers and at least one-third women’s representation in the decision process on all committees.

The women’s groups also demand that the Thai government negotiates with Myanmar to allow migrant workers to extend their work contracts in Thailand.

They also hope that their demands will be followed up by the post-general election government.