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*Translations are unofficial and provided by Google translate
UN Women 2024 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards:
Meet the National Winners
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THAILAND
We are excited to announce the winners of the UN Women 2024 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards!
Big congratulations to all the winners who have committed themselves to advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. These gender champions from different countries, sectors, and fields are acknowledged respectively for their outstanding Leadership Commitment, Youth Leadership, Gender-inclusive Workplace, Gender-responsive Marketplace, Community Engagement & Partnerships, and Transparency & Reporting
*The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards represents recognition of exemplary company efforts for gender equality and is limited to a designated category and a specific location and time period. Awarded organizations, alongside their products and services, receiving awards are not endorsed or affiliated with UN Women or WeEmpowerAsia and being recognized as an Awardee does not constitute a partnership. Claims, statements, or endorsements made by awardees are solely those of the individual or organization and do not represent official policies or positions of UN Women.
Winners
Maymay Mitisubin
External Affairs and Communication Lead, Organon Thailand
Maymay Mitisubin, is the External Affairs and Communication Lead for Organon Thailand, and is recognized for her leadership in championing gender equality and empowering women in Thai society.
Organon is a global health care company dedicated to making a world of difference for women, their families and the communities they care for. The corporaye vision is a better and healthier every day for every woman.
Maymay drives dynamic partnerships with diverse stakeholders to address critical challenges in women’s health. One of her most impactful achievements is a collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, Ministry of Public Health, Women’s Empowerment Principles, and local artists in the “We Are Tomorrow” mural project. The mural features four women and a non-binary individual and symbolizes collective dedication to advancing gender equality and fostering a more equitable society.
Zuellig Pharma Limited
Diversity and Inclusion are at the core of Zuellig Pharma’s values. The company prioritizes gender equity, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and foster a supportive workplace that empowers individuals to excel. Zuellig Pharma’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the management structure, where female representation has reached 198 out of 324 management positions (61%) as of June 2024. To maintain a respectful and equitable workplace, Zuellig Pharma adheres to Labor & Human Rights Policy, Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy, and Code of Conduct. These policies apply to all employees, ensuring fair practices in recruitment, promotion, training, salaries and benefits, discipline, and performance appraisals. Additionally, the company conducts an annual Employee Engagement Survey (EES) to assess and enhance job satisfaction levels.
Continuing to evolve, Zuellig Pharma remains dedicated to maintaining high standards of excellence and innovation while positively impacting the lives of patients across Thailand. The corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion enriches workplace culture and enhances the quality of caret the company provides to its diverse customer base, aligning with its mission to make healthcare more accessible for all.
L'Oreal (Thailand) Limited
For years, L’Oréal Group has strived to combine economic performance with positive social and environmental impact. The Inclusive Sourcing program is key to this ambition, opening the Group’s tenders to companies employing individuals facing social and economic vulnerability, providing lasting work and income opportunities. The program also supports SMEs and women-owned companies, traditionally excluded from large multinational tenders. Launched in Thailand in 2015 with 11 beneficiaries, the program now supports 234, primarily older individuals and people with disabilities. L’Oréal Thailand actively collaborates with partners to amplify impact.
Novartis (Thailand) Limited
Through the "Let Her Smile" campaign, Novartis Thailand implemented various programs in partnership with advocates to uplift women affected by breast cancer. These programs focus on disseminating knowledge, fostering awareness, and improving access to treatments. Such efforts aim to advance health equity and empower women on the path to recovery.
The purpose of Novartis is to reimagine medicine to improve, extend people's lives and ensure that patients, healthcare professionals, and society are empowered in the face of serious disease. The company brings innovative solutions to its patients while emphasizing strategic partnerships to accelerate care.
CP Axtra Public Company Limited
CP Axtra Public Company Limited, Thailand’s largest wholesale and retail business, has championed well-being, diversity, and inclusion for over 30 years. The company continuously monitors and analyzes gender data, ensuring transparent reporting to management, stakeholders, and the public. This approach supports gap analysis, action planning, and budgeting to achieve its commitment to gender equality. In 2024, CP Axtra introduced additional paternity leave, reduced daily working hours by one hour for better work-life balance, and began exploring childcare support to address female employee retention post-maternity leave. The company also aims to enhance supplier compliance with human rights and non-discrimination policies from 83% to 100% by 2025. These efforts align with CP Axtra’s core values of promoting health, love, joy, and overall well-being, empowering employees to excel and deliver the best solutions for customers while supporting sustainable growth across its supply chain and community.
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
For over 40 years, Bangchak has remained steadfast in its commitment to driving business growth while making meaningful contributions to society and the environment. With a vision of Crafting a Sustainable World with Evolving Greenovation, the company focuses on creating lasting, regenerative impact through balanced development and equal opportunities for all.
Bangchak’s mission is to inspire a collective journey toward a more sustainable, inclusive future. The development of Bangchak's digital bonds, introduced through the Paotang app, represents a groundbreaking step in transforming investments toward sustainability. By utilizing digital technology, the company is able to democratize investment opportunities, ensuring they are transparent, secure, and easily accessible for all—regardless of gender, or age. This initiative empowers investors across all demographics, reflecting Bangchak’s commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable future for everyone. It also sets a new standard for sustainable finance in Thailand, promoting equitable growth and long-term financial security.
Akha Ma-De
Since its founding in 2021, Akha Ma-De has grown quickly and now supports 8 women. Their handcrafted items are already featured in top retailers like The Mall, ICONSIAM, Top Market, and H&M Home.
The team is now launching a crowdfunding campaign to establish their first Christmas factory in the village, a guestroom to promote eco-tourism, a library for the children, and English lessons for the Akha women. Akha Ma-De is a community-driven initiative that empowers Akha women by creating sustainable employment opportunities within their village. Based in Asha Village, Chiang Rai, the program leverages traditional Akha craftsmanship to produce unique products, such as Christmas ornaments and Phuang Malai, all made from natural cotton.
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1st Runners Up
Sarinra Wongsuppaluk
Chief Human Resources Officer, True Corporation
Sarinra Wongsuppaluk, Chief Human Resources Officer at True Corporation, champions gender equality and diversity in the workplace. She advocates for at least 30% female board representation and fosters inclusivity through policies like gender reassignment leave and all-gender restrooms.
Following True’s merger with dtac, Sarinra strengthened workforce diversity and empowered women in STEM with training in digital skills, data analysis, and innovation. Under her leadership, 58% of employees at True are women, including 27% on the board and 38% in STEM roles.
True supports women and LGBTQ+ employees with benefits like six months of paid maternity leave, flexible hours, and same-sex marriage leave. Beyond workplace initiatives, True drives digital inclusion by bridging gender gaps, offering free online education, and making the internet safer. These efforts align with Sarinra’s vision of creating a diverse, equitable workplace and fostering economic growth for all.
Electricity Generating Public Company Limited
EGCO Group, the first independent power producer in Thailand, has operated power and other energy-related businesses in Thailand and 7 countries in Asia Pacific and North America regions. EGCO Group supports gender equality which is a part of human rights to empower sustainable equality in the organization. This is also in accordance with one of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on “SDG5 Achievement of gender equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls”. The Company encourages all staff to have and use their rights to fully express themselves and aims to enhance a corporate culture of non-discrimination and to embrace diverse opinions. In addition, EGCO Group is determined to provide equal opportunities for all employees, disregarding gender limitations, discrimination and harassment. For example, it has arranged workshops to improve working skills as a preparation for higher positions for female employees.
The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok
The hotel was awarded for its Gender-responsive Marketplace initiative, which promotes gender equality across its value chain. This initiative includes increasing procurement from women-owned businesses, supporting women entrepreneurs through training and mentorship, and implementing gender-inclusive marketing strategies. These efforts reflect the hotel’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality in the hospitality industry.
The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok is a luxury lifestyle hotel located along the Chao Phraya River, offering a blend of modern elegance and Thai heritage. Known for its exceptional hospitality, the hotel provides a unique riverside experience, attracting both leisure and business travelers.
Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited
Chevron continues to support the betterment of Thai people’s quality of life. The Chevron Fund for Life project began in 2015 through a collaboration with the Raks Thai Foundation to offer support to women in the three border provinces in the South. The project equips the women with knowledge, resources, and financial assistance to develop small-scale businesses with the potential for growth and prosperity.
Chevron is a global energy company that has led the Thai exploration and production industry for over 60 years. Chevron introduced technologies suitable for Thailand's complex geology and laid the foundations for the nation’s E&P industry by developing the Thai workforce's knowledge and skills. Chevron is committed to providing reliable energy supplies to Thailand. The natural gas, crude oil, and liquefied natural gas the company has produced are used to generate electricity and fuel for the country’s industrial sector and households.
NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited
NR Instant Produce (NRF), a Thailand-based leader in ethnic and specialty foods, aspires to drive global food system transformation towards inclusivity and sustainability. Guided by its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Human Rights policies, NRF fosters a culture of respect, equality, and acceptance. The company champions diversity, supporting vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities, minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and more. With women comprising over 60% of its workforce, NRF actively empowers women and promotes equity. Committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment, and violence, the company also encourages its supply chain to adopt inclusive practices, contributing to sustainable societal development. Beyond food manufacturing, NRF operates pet food, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), and retail and wholesale Asian food businesses.
Ramona Company Limited
RaMoNa, founded in 2006 by Dr. Navarat Sachayansrisakul in Bangkok, empowers less privileged women artisans from rural Thailand. The company creates handcrafted clothing that merges natural materials with modern designs, reflecting our ethos: "Crafting Nature, Caring Fashion." Using vegan materials, we focus on sustainability and collaborate with local communities, sourcing fabrics from Asian regions. The Ramona’s mission includes uplifting villages in Thailand and India, ensuring fair compensation, and investing in their growth. Each piece Ramona creates embodies nature and empowerment, redefining beauty and luxury with authenticity and gratitude.
2nd Runners Up
Piyajit Ruckariyapong
CEO, Sappe Public Company Limited
Sappe produces beverages, including fruit juices and functional drinks, sold in Thailand and exported to 100 countries. Under CEO Piyajit Ruckariyapong, a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality, Sappe fosters an inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to lead, innovate, and succeed. Her leadership, based on clear goals, empathy, and teamwork, ensures equal opportunities, positioning Sappe as a true "Home of Innovators."
Piyajit also aims to elevate Thai brands globally, with 'Mogu Mogu', claiming it was the world's first snack drink made from fruit juice and coconut jelly—reaching consumers worldwide. Domestically, she drives societal change through Sappe Beauti’s "Beautiful for Yourself" campaign.
As a trendsetter in impactful communication, this campaign promotes diversity, self-love, and challenges traditional beauty standards. It embraces the idea that "beauty is diversity" and has positioned Sappe Beauti at the forefront of promoting Diversity and Equality in the beverage industry. Piyajit’s vision is not only transforming her company but also setting new benchmarks for empowering communication and positive social impact.
Unilever Thai Trading Company Limited
Gender is central to Unilever’s strategy for equity in policies, practices, employee experience, and talent management. Between 2019 and 2021, the company achieved gender balance at the management level, with women representing 55% of management employees in 2023. Unilever is committed to leading initiatives that prioritize the needs of women and girls, using its influence to drive societal change.
As one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, Unilever has been serving 23 million households in Thailand for over 90 years. The company applies a gender lens across its workplace, value chain, and societal efforts to ensure no woman is left behind. Through partnerships and focused actions in respecting rights, building skills, and creating opportunities, Unilever is fostering equality and empowerment, aiming to drive inclusive economic growth and create a fairer world.
HaadThip Public Company Limited
HaadThip supports "Female Entrepreneurs of Retailers - Stronger Together," a project that aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Through this program, women entrepreneurs are trained in various aspects of business, including accounting, shop management, budgeting, and inventory tracking.
By actively engaging in these projects, HaadThip demonstrates its commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Thai society.
HaadThip Public Company Limited is a beverage industry player in southern Thailand, known for its commitment to respecting human rights and promoting gender equality. The company integrates human rights principles into its corporate culture and emphasizes their application to develop capabilities within the organization, among business partners, and throughout the supply chain.
IRPC Public Company Limited
Since Thailand’s elderly population has increased dramatically every year, bringing along other elderly problems, such as abandonment, health issues, and financial issues. IRPC considers the following impacts as a social challenge and started implementing “Mueang Rayong Elderly School project” which aims at creating opportunities for the elderly, especially women, to learn and develop essential skills through engaging activities and community involvement. This project aims to prevent depression and enhance the quality of life for the elderly, enabling them to use their acquired knowledge and skills to generate income and value for the community.
IRPC Public Company Limited is a leading petrochemical company in Southeast Asia, known for its integrated operations in Rayong, Thailand. The company's facilities include a refinery and petrochemical complex, a deep-sea port, an oil depot, and a power plant. Under the "3C Sustainable Strategy" – Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Creating Shared Value - IRPC aims to demonstrate its commitment through corporate innovation along with the expertise of personnel by implementing various projects that focus on improving the quality of life of the community.
Siripatee Pumjan
Founder, YaiSiRi
YaiSiRi, a local Thai craft textiles from Nakornratchasima province, is dedicated to driving “Circular Textile” products in supporting skills among vulnerable women communities (female prisoners, elderly women, unemployment women) for their secondary incomes to accelerated local economic as well as broader diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. YaiSiRi focused on “Circular Fashion” to create unique outfits for both formal and casual occasions which respond to all seasons.
Furthermore, YaiSiRi organizes “Workshops” to empower communities in transferring local textiles knowledge, skills and training to younger generations for their future workforce. YaiSiRi also promotes women’s career development, networking as well as marketing design including women engagement in small and micro community enterprises accounting. Consequently, YaiSiRi initiated women’s inspiration, personal growth as well as building the sense of 'Matriotism' to create community-based Tourism of Nakornratchasima. As a result, YaiSiRi has won the First Runner Up in Clothing Accessories from the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, Thailand in 2022.
*The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards represents recognition of exemplary company efforts for gender equality and is limited to a designated category and a specific location and time period. Awarded organizations, alongside their products and services, receiving awards are not endorsed or affiliated with UN Women or WeEmpowerAsia and being recognized as an Awardee does not constitute a partnership. Claims, statements, or endorsements made by awardees are solely those of the individual or organization and do not represent official policies or positions of UN Women.
What are the WEPs?
2020 Awardees
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