Provision of Schemes to Support Women’s Access to Higher Education

Provision of Schemes to Support Women’s Access to Higher Education

Provision of Schemes to Support Women’s Access to Higher Education

Walailak University has been providing higher education for more than 30 years since its establishment in 1992. The University ensures that both male and female students have equal access to higher education without discrimination on the basis of gender. Since its establishment, women have consistently constituted the majority of the Walailak University community, reflecting the University’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable educational opportunities. At the same time, Walailak University places continued importance on women’s access schemes to ensure that women can access and participate in higher education on an equal basis with men.

Recognizing that women constitute the majority of the WU population, Walailak University conducts diagnostic analyses of women’s applications, admissions, and participation to better understand gender distribution and identify areas for further improvement. Based on the findings of these analyses, women’s access schemes have been developed and implemented by various units across the University through multiple platforms and forms of support. These include mentoring, scholarships, and other targeted provisions covering both the pre-admission and post-admission stages. Collectively, these schemes support equitable access to higher education and help ensure that women have appropriate opportunities to enter, participate in, and progress through higher education at Walailak University.

Mentoring Schemes

Walailak University’s mentoring schemes cover both the pre-admission and post-admission phases, providing support to women throughout their higher education journey. During the pre-admission phase, mentoring focuses on the admission process, academic preparation, and other relevant aspects to help prospective female students access Walailak University smoothly and gain a clear understanding of admission requirements and procedures. During the post-admission phase, mentoring is provided to female students after enrollment to support their academic and personal adjustment to university life, help them address potential challenges, and enable them to continue their studies with fewer obstacles through to graduation.

Through individualized guidance and ongoing support, the Center assists female students in addressing academic and career-related challenges, strengthening their self-confidence, and developing essential competencies for their future careers. It also provides opportunities for students to build connections, exchange experiences, and learn from peers and mentors.

Beyond individual support, the Smile and Smart Center promotes leadership development, lifelong learning, collaboration, and active participation among female students. By creating a supportive environment in which women can develop their capabilities and pursue their aspirations, the Center contributes to removing barriers to women’s participation in higher education and strengthening an inclusive and empowering campus culture at Walailak University.

Mentoring Schemes: Pre-admission Phase

Walailak University provides mentoring schemes for women through both on-campus and off-campus activities. These mentoring programs support prospective female students in understanding the University’s admission processes, requirements, and procedures. In addition, the University provides academic preparation programs designed to equip female secondary school students with foundational knowledge, academic insights, and an understanding of university-level study. These initiatives help prospective female students prepare for higher education and facilitate their transition to Walailak University.

Figures: Female students participating in a pre-admission mentoring scheme through the TCAS 69 Workshop

Mentoring Schemes: Post-admission Phase

During the post-admission phase, Walailak University provides mentoring schemes to support female students throughout their university experience. These programs facilitate students’ transition into university life by providing academic guidance, emotional and well-being support, and opportunities for personal and professional development. The mentoring schemes help female students address challenges, strengthen their confidence and capabilities, and successfully progress toward graduation. Key forms of support include:

  • Faculty Mentorship – Professors and academic advisors provide guidance on academic planning, research opportunities, personal matters, and career pathways.
  • Mental Health and Well-being Support – Counseling and related support services are incorporated into mentoring activities to help students manage stress, address personal challenges, and develop resilience.
  • Skill Development Workshops – Workshops strengthen female students’ skills and competencies in areas such as leadership, communication, time management, and other skills relevant to their academic and future professional development.

In addition, Walailak University, through the Smile and Smart Center, organized Faculty Training on Student Mental Health and Well-being to strengthen lecturers’ and academic advisors’ capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to students experiencing emotional, psychological, or other personal challenges. The workshop utilized the Enneagram as a self-reflection and communication tool to help faculty members better understand different personality patterns, individual characteristics, and approaches to interacting with students. This approach encouraged faculty members to recognize that students may have different ways of responding to academic, personal, and social challenges.

The training provided faculty members with practical knowledge and guidance on identifying potential signs of mental health concerns, communicating effectively with students, providing initial support, and referring students to appropriate professional services when necessary. By combining mental health awareness with approaches to understanding individual differences, the workshop aimed to enhance faculty members’ ability to provide appropriate and student-centered support.

The training also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment in which students feel comfortable seeking assistance. By equipping faculty members with relevant knowledge, communication skills, and practical approaches to student support, the initiative strengthens the University’s student support system and contributes to students’ well-being, academic engagement, and successful progression throughout their university experience.

Figures: WU lecturers participating in the Faculty Training on Student Mental Health and Well-being Workshop

Capacity Building for Student Mentors and Helpers

Walailak University, through the Smile & Smart Center, organized a Capacity-Building Training Program for Student Care and Counseling Helpers (Helpers) to strengthen the capacity of faculty members who provide mentoring, guidance, and counseling support to students. A total of 35 faculty members serving as Helpers participated in the training.

The training aimed to enhance the competencies of Helpers in providing in-depth counseling in collaboration with academic advisors, while strengthening their understanding of the University’s student support and referral system. The program equipped participating faculty members with knowledge and practical approaches for identifying students’ needs, providing appropriate initial support, coordinating with academic advisors, and referring students to relevant professional services when more specialized assistance is required.

Figures: WU lecturers participating in the Capacity Building for Student Mentors and Helpers Workshop

The training was delivered by members of the WU Core Team from the Smile & Smart Center and consisted of four key modules: Empowerment, Helper’s Path, Stabilization, and System and Supervision. These modules were designed to strengthen the practical competencies of Helpers and provide them with a structured approach to supporting students experiencing academic, personal, emotional, or other challenges during their university experience.

Recognizing that effective student mentoring requires continuous development, Walailak University has also established an ongoing competency-development curriculum for academic advisors and Helpers. The continuing training program covers a range of topics and approaches, including Therapeutic Communication, “Jib Cha Spa Jai” (Tea and Heart Spa), Counseling, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Deep Listening, Enneagram, and Love Languages. These training areas provide faculty members with diverse communication and support approaches that can be adapted to different student needs and circumstances.

The continuous professional development of academic advisors and Helpers strengthens the University’s post-admission mentoring system by ensuring that students have access to trained personnel who can provide guidance, listen to their concerns, identify potential difficulties, and connect them with appropriate support services. This is particularly important for creating an environment in which female students can seek assistance with confidence and receive support that considers their individual academic, personal, and well-being needs.

Through the systematic development of faculty advisors and Helpers, the Smile & Smart Center extends mentoring beyond individual student activities to establish a sustainable, university-wide support network. The initiative demonstrates Walailak University’s commitment to strengthening the quality and accessibility of mentoring services throughout students’ university journeys, helping students overcome potential barriers and remain engaged in higher education through to graduation.

The Smile and Smart Center

The Smile and Smart Center, a department of the Division of Student Support and Development at Walailak University, was established to provide mentoring and support services to students, including female and LGBT students. The Center’s mentoring services cover a range of areas, including university life, academic development, personal development, and other issues that may affect students’ well-being and progression. The Center is staffed by qualified advisors and a psychologist who provide guidance, counseling, and support to help students address challenges and navigate their university experience effectively.

Recognizing that effective student mentoring requires continuous development, Walailak University has also established an ongoing competency-development curriculum for academic advisors and Helpers. The continuing training program covers a range of topics and approaches, including Therapeutic Communication, “Jib Cha Spa Jai” (Tea and Heart Spa), Counseling, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Deep Listening, Enneagram, and Love Languages. These training areas provide faculty members with diverse communication and support approaches that can be adapted to different student needs and circumstances.

The continuous professional development of academic advisors and Helpers strengthens the University’s post-admission mentoring system by ensuring that students have access to trained personnel who can provide guidance, listen to their concerns, identify potential difficulties, and connect them with appropriate support services. This is particularly important for creating an environment in which female students can seek assistance with confidence and receive support that considers their individual academic, personal, and well-being needs.

Through the systematic development of faculty advisors and Helpers, the Smile & Smart Center extends mentoring beyond individual student activities to establish a sustainable, university-wide support network. The initiative demonstrates Walailak University’s commitment to strengthening the quality and accessibility of mentoring services throughout students’ university journeys, helping students overcome potential barriers and remain engaged in higher education through to graduation.

Female students can access the mentoring programs and services by visiting the Smile and Smart Center in person at the Thai Buri Building. The Center provides an accessible environment where students can seek advice and support regarding academic, personal, emotional, and other concerns. Information and personal data obtained through the mentoring and counseling services are treated confidentially and are not disclosed to the public. Female students can also contact the Center by telephone at 075-673-122.

In 2025, a total of 860 students received mentoring services and participated in activities with staff at the Smile and Smart Center. Of these, 703 were female students, representing approximately 81.74% of all students who received mentoring services. The main concerns raised by female students during mentoring sessions included personal relationships, depression, stress, academic performance, and financial difficulties.

However, recognizing that some female students may feel more comfortable seeking support remotely rather than visiting the Center in person, the Smile and Smart Center also provides support through its Facebook Page. The platform serves as an additional channel for online mentoring, allowing students to seek guidance, access information about upcoming activities, and receive resources related to mental health and well-being. By providing both in-person and digital channels, the Smile and Smart Center enhances the accessibility of its mentoring services and ensures that female students can access appropriate support in a manner that suits their individual needs.

Additionally, the Smile and Smart Center has developed mental health evaluation questionnaires that are available to all students, including female students. These questionnaires provide students with an accessible means of reflecting on their mental well-being, recognizing potential signs of stress or other mental health concerns, and considering whether further support may be appropriate.

Students who identify potential concerns through the evaluation are encouraged to seek mentoring or counseling support from the Center. For students whose responses indicate a more serious or urgent concern, the platform provides direct contact information and appropriate channels for obtaining further assistance. This initiative promotes greater awareness of mental health and encourages students to seek support at an early stage, while contributing to a supportive university environment in which students can proactively address challenges and maintain their overall well-being.

The mental health evaluation questionnaires are available through the Smile and Smart Center website.

Figure: Mental Health Evaluation Questionnaires for Students to Assess Their Mental Well-being

Female students at Walailak University can access a wide range of mentoring and support services through the Smile and Smart Center and faculty members. These services address various aspects of students’ university experiences, including personal and family challenges, academic performance, mental health concerns such as depression and stress, and difficulties in social adaptation. Through accessible mentoring and guidance, students can receive appropriate support to help them manage challenges and continue their studies effectively.

In addition to individual mentoring, the Smile and Smart Center organizes structured programs and interactive activities that support female students’ mental health and well-being. These include workshops, group counseling sessions, peer support activities, mindfulness exercises, stress-relief activities, and empowerment programs designed to promote resilience, self-confidence, and personal development. Such activities also provide safe and supportive spaces where students can communicate their concerns, share experiences, and connect with others who may face similar challenges.

By providing multiple channels of support through individual mentoring, faculty guidance, group activities, and well-being programs, the Smile and Smart Center contributes to an inclusive and supportive university environment. These initiatives help female students address personal and academic challenges, strengthen their well-being and resilience, and make meaningful progress toward their academic and personal goals.

Volunteer Mentor Training for New Students

The Smile and Smart Center at Walailak University organized a workshop for Volunteer Mentors for New Students (Volunteer Mentor) to prepare student volunteers to provide mentoring and support to newly enrolled students during their transition into university life. A total of 128 student volunteers participated in the workshop, including 120 female students, representing 93.75% of all participants.

The workshop focused on preparing volunteer mentors with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively support new students. Key areas of preparation included understanding the roles and responsibilities of volunteer mentors, communication skills, and activity organization. These competencies are intended to enable mentors to communicate appropriately with new students, provide guidance during their transition to university, and organize activities that encourage positive interaction and a welcoming university environment.

The initiative provides an important form of peer mentoring within the post-admission phase, as experienced students are prepared to support newly enrolled students as they begin their university journey. Through peer-to-peer interaction, new students can have an accessible source of guidance from fellow students who understand the university environment and the challenges associated with adapting to higher education.

The strong participation of female students in the Volunteer Mentor program also demonstrates women’s active participation in the University’s mentoring system. With 120 of the 128 volunteer mentors being female, women constituted the overwhelming majority of students prepared to undertake mentoring roles. Their participation enables female students to contribute not only as recipients of support but also as peer mentors and contributors to the student support environment.

By equipping student volunteers with communication, mentoring, and activity-management skills, the Smile and Smart Center strengthens the University’s capacity to provide supportive guidance to students during the early stages of their university experience. The initiative therefore contributes to a supportive and inclusive higher-education environment in which female students can actively participate in mentoring and leadership roles while helping new students adapt to university life and navigate their transition more effectively.

The Volunteer Mentor workshop represents Walailak University’s approach to extending mentoring beyond formal faculty advising by developing a student-led peer support mechanism. Through this scheme, female students are provided with opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership-related competencies while participating in a structured mentoring system that supports the successful integration of new students into university life.

Building Resilience and Mental Well-being through Student Mentoring

Walailak University, through the Smile & Smart Center, in collaboration with Mental Health Center 11, organized a training program on Resilience Quotient (RQ) for student leaders of the University’s Junior Helper peer-support program and other interested students. The training was designed to strengthen students’ psychological resilience and equip them with practical skills to cope with challenges and respond appropriately to difficult or potentially crisis situations during their university experience.

A total of 57 students participated in the training, including 40 female students, representing 70.2% of all participants. The strong participation of female students demonstrates their active engagement in peer-support and well-being initiatives designed to strengthen students’ ability to manage personal, emotional, and social challenges.

The training was delivered by psychologists, social workers, and academic professionals from Mental Health Center 11. It was based on the “I am, I have, and I can” framework and combined knowledge-sharing with practical activities and experiential learning. Participants explored different aspects of resilience, including self-awareness, recognition of personal strengths, emotional management, stress management, positive communication, and the ability to overcome challenges.

By equipping student volunteers with communication, mentoring, and activity-management skills, the Smile and Smart Center strengthens the University’s capacity to provide supportive guidance to students during the early stages of their university experience. The initiative therefore contributes to a supportive and inclusive higher-education environment in which female students can actively participate in mentoring and leadership roles while helping new students adapt to university life and navigate their transition more effectively.

The Volunteer Mentor workshop represents Walailak University’s approach to extending mentoring beyond formal faculty advising by developing a student-led peer support mechanism. Through this scheme, female students are provided with opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership-related competencies while participating in a structured mentoring system that supports the successful integration of new students into university life.

Practical activities included exercises on self-worth and self-awareness, such as the Four Directions Personality activity and Life Journey activity. Participants also took part in activities designed to strengthen motivation and emotional resilience, including Who Gives Me Encouragement? and Color Your Mind. In addition, the training introduced practical stress-management techniques, active listening, and positive communication skills through the I-Message activity. These activities provided students with practical approaches that could be applied in their daily lives and in their interactions with fellow students.

An important component of the training was the introduction of available mentoring, counseling, and mental health support services. Participants were informed about support channels within Walailak University, including the Smile & Smart Center, Rak Jai Clinic, and Puea Jai Clinic, as well as external support through the Puean Jai Clinic and Mental Health Hotline 1323. This information helps students recognize when additional assistance may be needed and provides clear pathways for accessing appropriate professional support.

The training also strengthens the University’s peer-mentoring system by developing students who can contribute to a supportive environment for their fellow students. In particular, participants from the Junior Helper program can apply the knowledge and communication skills gained through the training when supporting and interacting with other students. This creates an additional layer of peer-based support alongside the mentoring and counseling services provided by University staff and professional personnel.

The effectiveness of the activity was reflected in its participant evaluation, with 94.6% of participants reporting the highest level of satisfaction with the training. Participants highlighted that they gained useful knowledge, enjoyed the activities, appreciated the opportunity to participate, and intended to apply what they had learned in their daily lives.

Through this initiative, Walailak University extends its mentoring approach beyond academic guidance to include resilience building, emotional well-being, communication, and peer support. The substantial participation of female students also provides women with opportunities to develop skills that can be used to support themselves and their peers. Together with the University’s broader mentoring and counseling mechanisms, the initiative contributes to a supportive post-admission environment that helps female students manage challenges, access appropriate assistance, and continue their university journey with greater confidence and resilience.

Leadership and Communication Development for Female Students

As part of its student mentoring and development initiatives, Walailak University, through the Smile and Smart Center, organized a Student Facilitator Workshop under the Communication and Leadership Skills Development Project (The Best Speech of WU). The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Department of Student Wellness, the Department of Arts and Culture Preservation, and the Department of General Management and Administration. A total of 145 students participated in the training, of whom 136 were female students.

The workshop provided students with opportunities to develop practical competencies that support their personal growth and future leadership roles. Particular emphasis was placed on professional communication, public speaking, facilitation, teamwork, and leadership, enabling students to build confidence and actively contribute to activities within the University community.

The training prepared participating students to serve as facilitators for four Rally Speech activity stations focusing on Gratitude, Discipline, Volunteerism, and Leadership Development. Through these roles, students were given opportunities not only to receive training but also to apply their newly developed skills in real activity settings, communicate with their peers, manage groups, and take responsibility for facilitating learning activities.

The workshop consisted of two key modules. Module 1 introduced students to the concepts, objectives, and key messages of each Rally Speech activity station. Module 2 provided hands-on practice in facilitation techniques, effective communication, group management, and the appropriate use of training tools. This practical approach enabled students to develop confidence in communicating with groups and taking leadership responsibilities.

For female students, participation in this type of capacity-building activity provides an opportunity to strengthen leadership potential, communication competence, confidence, and active participation in the University community. By preparing female students to take on facilitator roles, the initiative supports their development not only as participants in higher education but also as active contributors and peer leaders within the university environment.

The Student Facilitator Workshop therefore represents a form of post-admission student development and mentoring provision that supports students’ broader development beyond academic achievement. Through structured training and opportunities to practice leadership in real situations, Walailak University provides female students with an environment in which they can develop transferable skills, take on responsibilities, interact confidently with others, and prepare for future academic, professional, and community leadership roles.

Career Development and Work Placement Support for Female Students

Walailak University established the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development (COOP) to strengthen students’ career opportunities, workplace readiness, and transition from higher education to employment. Administered by Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, the Center serves as an important bridge between academic learning and the world of work by connecting students with employers, facilitating work-integrated learning opportunities, and supporting students in developing the knowledge, skills, and professional networks needed for successful careers.

As part of its commitment to promoting women’s participation in the workforce, the Center provides career guidance and mentoring support for female students throughout their work-placement and career preparation journey. This includes guidance on identifying suitable work-placement opportunities, preparing for workplace environments, developing professional skills, communicating effectively with employers and colleagues, and navigating challenges that may arise during internships or cooperative education placements. Female students can also receive advice and support in preparing for employment and making informed career decisions based on their interests, academic backgrounds, and career aspirations.

The Center’s support helps female students gain practical workplace experience while developing confidence, professional networks, and transferable skills before graduation. Through mentoring and career-development activities, the University seeks to ensure that female students are not only able to enter higher education but are also adequately supported in making the transition from university to meaningful employment.

By integrating cooperative education, career development, mentoring, and workplace support, Walailak University addresses barriers that women may encounter during the transition into the labour market. The initiative therefore contributes to the University’s broader approach to women’s access, participation, and empowerment in higher education and employment, supporting the principles of gender equality and inclusive career development.

The workshop consisted of two key modules. Module 1 introduced students to the concepts, objectives, and key messages of each Rally Speech activity station. Module 2 provided hands-on practice in facilitation techniques, effective communication, group management, and the appropriate use of training tools. This practical approach enabled students to develop confidence in communicating with groups and taking leadership responsibilities.

For female students, participation in this type of capacity-building activity provides an opportunity to strengthen leadership potential, communication competence, confidence, and active participation in the University community. By preparing female students to take on facilitator roles, the initiative supports their development not only as participants in higher education but also as active contributors and peer leaders within the university environment.

The Student Facilitator Workshop therefore represents a form of post-admission student development and mentoring provision that supports students’ broader development beyond academic achievement. Through structured training and opportunities to practice leadership in real situations, Walailak University provides female students with an environment in which they can develop transferable skills, take on responsibilities, interact confidently with others, and prepare for future academic, professional, and community leadership roles.

WU Empowers Female Students Through English Communication Mentoring

Walailak University, through the Center for Student Promotion and Development, organized the English communication development activity “English Level Up, Boost Your Confidence With Kru P’Ann,” featuring Ms. Warinthorn Uawasinthorn, widely known as “Kru P’Ann,” founder of the popular “Perfect English with Kru P’Ann” page, as the guest speaker and mentor.

The activity was designed to strengthen students’ English communication skills and personal confidence, enabling them to apply English effectively in their studies, daily lives, and international communication contexts. Through an engaging, friendly, and interactive learning environment, students were encouraged to practice communication, develop their personalities, and gain greater confidence in using English.

From a gender equality perspective, the program also served as a mentoring opportunity for female students by providing access to guidance, encouragement, and practical learning experiences in English communication. A total of more than 1,200 students participated in the activity, including 1,024 female students, demonstrating substantial participation by women in a university-wide learning and personal development initiative.

The mentoring component provided female students with opportunities to learn from an experienced female English educator and public communicator, allowing them to gain practical insights into effective communication and confidence-building. Such opportunities can contribute to women’s participation in education and help students develop transferable skills that can support their academic progression, future employment, and engagement in increasingly international environments.

By combining English-language learning with mentoring and confidence development, Walailak University continues to promote an inclusive educational environment in which female students have opportunities to develop their knowledge, communication abilities, and confidence to participate fully in academic and professional settings. The activity therefore contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly through initiatives that support women’s access to educational development, mentoring, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Scholarships

Walailak University recognizes that access to financial support is an important factor in promoting equitable access to higher education, particularly for women who may face financial barriers to pursuing and completing their studies. Through scholarships provided by the University and its partners, Walailak University seeks to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent students from accessing educational opportunities and participating fully in university life.

In 2025, Walailak University, in collaboration with its partners, awarded scholarships to 1,125 students, with a total value of 73,496,950 baht. Of these recipients, 749 were female students, including 734 Thai female students and 15 female students from low- and lower-income countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Bhutan. The scholarships provided financial assistance that enabled these students to pursue their studies at Walailak University with reduced financial constraints.

Beyond providing direct financial assistance, the scholarship programme contributes to creating a more inclusive and supportive higher education environment by reducing economic barriers that may affect women’s decisions to apply, enroll, remain in, and actively participate in university education. By expanding access to financial support, Walailak University supports women’s educational opportunities and contributes to greater equity and participation in higher education

WU Tutor Center: Mentoring Female Students to Improve Academic Performance

The WU Tutor Center, established by the Division of Student Support and Development, provides mentoring and academic support for female students who experience difficulties in their studies or have low academic performance. The center aims to help students identify and overcome academic challenges, strengthen their learning skills, and build the confidence needed to succeed in their studies and progress toward graduation.

Recognizing that academic difficulties can affect students’ educational progression and may increase the risk of delayed graduation or withdrawal, the WU Tutor Center provides individualized mentoring and tutoring support tailored to students’ learning needs. Through one-on-one and small-group sessions, female students can receive guidance on difficult course content, review previously learned material, develop effective study strategies, and receive advice on how to improve their academic performance.

The center also provides a supportive environment in which female students can discuss their academic difficulties and seek guidance without stigma. Experienced lecturers and senior student volunteers serve as tutors and mentors, offering both academic assistance and encouragement. This approach helps students develop greater confidence in their ability to learn, become more independent learners, and remain engaged with their education.

In 2025, approximately 1,622 female students benefited from the academic tutoring and mentoring programs provided by the WU Tutor Center. The support focused on addressing individual learning difficulties, strengthening foundational knowledge, improving study habits, and helping students develop strategies to overcome academic obstacles.

Through targeted mentoring and academic support, the WU Tutor Center contributes to creating a more inclusive educational environment in which female students facing academic challenges have access to the guidance and resources they need to improve their performance and continue their studies. The initiative supports Walailak University’s commitment to gender equality by providing targeted educational support that helps female students overcome barriers to academic success and achieve their full potential.

Female students who wish to receive academic tutoring and mentoring support can contact the WU Tutor Center directly at its office or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wututorcenter.

Other Provision

Free HPV Vaccination Programme

In 2025, Walailak University continued its Free HPV Vaccination Programme for female students, strengthening its commitment to promoting women’s health, well-being, and equal access to higher education. By providing vaccination at no cost, the initiative helped reduce financial and health-related barriers and enabled female students to access preventive healthcare while continuing their studies.

The programme was implemented as part of Thailand’s national Quick Win 100 Days, 1 Million Doses Policy, which aims to expand access to HPV vaccination and strengthen cervical cancer prevention among the population. Through this initiative, Walailak University integrated preventive healthcare into its student support system, recognizing that access to essential health services can contribute to students’ well-being, educational continuity, and ability to participate fully in university life.

In 2025, a total of 1,955 female students received HPV vaccinations through the programme. The vaccinations were administered by Walailak University Hospital, providing students with convenient access to professional medical services within the university. By combining higher education with accessible preventive healthcare, the University demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting women throughout their academic journey and creating an inclusive environment in which health-related barriers are addressed alongside educational needs.

Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme

In 2025, Walailak University continued its Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme to support the health, dignity, and well-being of female students and staff by providing free access to essential menstrual hygiene products. The initiative recognizes that access to menstrual hygiene products is an important aspect of women’s health and can help reduce practical and financial barriers that may affect students’ comfort, attendance, and participation in university life.

As part of the scheme, sanitary napkin dispensers were installed in female student dormitories, allowing students to access sanitary napkins conveniently and free of charge when needed. Providing these essential supplies within residential areas helps ensure that female students have access to menstrual hygiene products in their daily living and study environments, particularly when they may be unable to purchase them immediately.

In addition to the dormitory-based distribution points, WU established a central distribution point at WU Bota Market. University staff organized an awareness activity at the site, where sanitary napkins were distributed to female students and staff while also raising awareness of menstrual health and the importance of access to menstrual hygiene products. The activity provided an opportunity to discuss menstrual health in an open and supportive environment and contributed to reducing the stigma and discomfort that can sometimes surround menstruation.

Throughout 2025, more than 1,200 sanitary napkins were distributed through the scheme. By making menstrual hygiene products freely available and integrating menstrual health support into the university environment, Walailak University demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive campus where female students can participate in education and university activities without unnecessary barriers related to menstrual health.

Supporting Women’s Access to Health and Mentoring Services at Walailak University

Walailak University promotes an inclusive and supportive environment where students and staff can access health information, counselling, screening services, and guidance to help prevent health-related concerns from becoming barriers to education and employment. As part of this commitment, the University provides activities that increase access to sexual and reproductive health information and create safe spaces for students to seek advice and support.

In 2025, the Walailak University Hospital organized a Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Day, providing HIV screening and health information to students, staff, and members of the public. A total of 718 people participated in the activity, including 466 female students and staff members of Walailak University. The initiative aimed to improve understanding of HIV prevention, encourage health screening, and promote responsible health management through accessible services and educational activities

The initiative contributed to Walailak University’s mentoring and support approach by connecting students with health information, counselling opportunities, screening services, and appropriate sources of guidance. For women in particular, accessible and confidential health support can help them identify and address health concerns early, seek appropriate advice, and maintain their participation in university life without health-related issues unnecessarily disrupting their studies or future careers.

By integrating health education, counselling, screening, and safe communication into its student support system, Walailak University helps ensure that women have access to the information and support they need to participate fully and equitably in education and work.

Through its women’s access schemes, Walailak University provides comprehensive support to female students to promote their academic success, personal well-being, and professional development. The schemes offer mentoring and support throughout both the pre-admission and post-admission stages, providing guidance on university entry, academic preparation, personal development, emotional well-being, and career readiness.

Female students can access personalized support through the Smile and Smart Center, including counseling, skill-building activities, and mental health services tailored to their individual needs. The University also provides additional measures, including HPV vaccination, the sanitary napkin distribution scheme, and extended cooperative education opportunities, to address students’ health, well-being, and career development needs.

Together, these initiatives help reduce barriers that may affect women’s participation and progression in higher education. By providing mentoring, essential services, and opportunities for skills development, Walailak University supports female students in building confidence and resilience while enabling them to participate fully in academic and university life and prepare for their future careers.

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เ… – ศูนย์การแพทย์มหาวิทยาลัยวลัยลักษณ์ Walailak University Hospital | Facebook

Goal 5:

Gender Equality

Goal 3:

Good Health and

Well-being

Goal 4:

Quality Education

Goal 10:

Reduced Inequalities