March 8: International Women’s Day and the Fight for Justice for Survivors of Domestic Violence

International Women’s Day is not just a day to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide; it is a day rooted in the history of struggles for rights and justice. For over a century, women around the world have fought for labor rights, civil rights, and bodily autonomy—from the early 20th-century protests of women workers in the U.S. demanding fair wages to today’s movements against sexual violence and gender-based oppression.

In Thailand, domestic violence laws have been in place for years, yet gaps remain that prevent survivors from receiving true protection. The law still focuses more on preserving family relationships than safeguarding survivors’ rights. Too often, survivors are pressured to return to their abusers, while legal proceedings remain riddled with barriers and attitudes that fail to consider their lived experiences.

The Coalition Against GBV Thailand, composed of nine civil society organizations—including SHero Thailand, Feminist Legal Support, and other key partners—is working together to push for amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act to ensure fairness and a survivor-centered approach.

We call for legal reforms that:

End mediation-focused approaches and prioritize survivor protection.

Ensure accessible and effective protection measures without legal or societal barriers.

Make the justice system survivor-friendly and reduce legal retraumatization.

Create support systems that allow survivors to access legal and welfare services without unnecessary complications.

This International Women’s Day is not just about remembering the past—it is about raising our voices for the future. We cannot allow unjust and ineffective laws to persist, nor can we leave survivors to face violence without a support system that truly works for them. History has shown that change is possible when we come together.

We invite everyone to be part of this movement—whether by advocating for legal reforms, sharing accurate information, or helping build a system that ensures real justice for survivors.

Because ending domestic violence is not just a legal issue—it is about justice, rights, dignity, and safety for all.

#sherothailand #IWD2025