Walailak University Strengthens Commitment to Non-Discrimination and Prevention of Harassment Against Women
Walailak University Strengthens Commitment to Non-Discrimination and Prevention of Harassment Against Women
Walailak University (WU) has strengthened its commitment to gender equality and the protection of women’s rights through the Policy on Non-Discrimination and Prevention of Harassment Against Women, B.E. 2569 (2026). The Policy establishes a university-wide framework to ensure that women can study, work, conduct research, participate in university activities, and access educational and professional opportunities in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and other forms of unequal treatment.
The Policy reflects WU’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable university community in which women are treated fairly and respectfully and are able to exercise their rights and opportunities without barriers based on sex or gender.
Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Women
Under the Policy, WU commits to ensuring that women are not subjected to discrimination across all areas of university life. This includes admission, education, employment, recruitment, promotion, compensation, professional development, research, participation in university activities, access to services, and other university-related opportunities.
WU also recognizes the importance of providing women with equal access to education, employment, leadership positions, training, scholarships, research opportunities, career advancement, and university resources. These provisions support women’s full participation in academic, professional, and institutional activities and contribute to a more equitable university environment.
The Policy further requires the University to identify and address practices, procedures, or conditions that may directly or indirectly disadvantage women. This preventive approach recognizes that gender equality requires not only responding to individual cases of discrimination but also examining institutional practices that may create unequal opportunities.
Preventing Harassment and Sexual Harassment
A key component of the Policy is the prevention of harassment against women. WU prohibits unwelcome conduct that intimidates, humiliates, threatens, offends, or causes distress, including verbal, physical, written, visual, and online forms of harassment.
The Policy specifically addresses sexual harassment and prohibits unwelcome sexual conduct, including sexual comments, jokes, propositions, advances, requests, and remarks concerning a person’s body or sexuality. By explicitly defining and prohibiting these forms of conduct, WU establishes clear expectations for respectful behaviour across the University community.
Through these measures, WU aims to foster a safe and supportive environment in which women can study, work, conduct research, participate in activities, and contribute to the University’s educational, research, professional, and social missions without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Awareness, Reporting, and Protection
The Policy places emphasis on prevention through awareness and education. WU will promote understanding of gender equality, women’s rights, non-discrimination, and the prevention of harassment through training, educational activities, communication campaigns, and other appropriate measures.
Women students and staff who experience discrimination or harassment are encouraged to report their concerns through appropriate channels, including faculty advisors, supervisors, or the Walailak University Student Council. The Policy also establishes protections for individuals who report concerns or participate in complaint and investigation processes.
To support a safe reporting environment, WU will protect the confidentiality and privacy of persons involved in complaints to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The Policy also prohibits retaliation, intimidation, threats, discrimination, or adverse treatment against individuals who make a good-faith report, file a complaint, provide information, or participate in an investigation.
Complaints are to be handled through fair, impartial, timely, and appropriate procedures in accordance with university regulations and applicable laws. WU will also provide or facilitate appropriate support for persons affected by discrimination or harassment, which may include counselling, academic support, workplace support, referrals, and other forms of assistance.
Institutional Responsibility and Continuous Improvement
The Policy assigns responsibility for preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment across the University community. Administrators, faculty members, staff, and other responsible personnel are expected to contribute to prevention, respond appropriately to reported concerns, and support implementation of the Policy.
WU will also monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Policy and may conduct assessments and develop additional measures to strengthen gender equality and prevent discrimination and harassment against women.
Through the Policy on Non-Discrimination and Prevention of Harassment Against Women, B.E. 2569 (2026), Walailak University demonstrates its institutional commitment to ensuring equal opportunities, protecting women from discrimination and harassment, and promoting a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable university environment. These measures contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality, particularly Indicator 5.6.1 on having a policy of non-discrimination against women.
Promoting Equal Employment Opportunities for Women
In 2025, WU employed a total of 3,388 staff members, comprising academic and administrative personnel. Women accounted for approximately 62% of the University’s total workforce, representing more than 2,100 female staff members, while men accounted for the remaining 38%. The substantial representation of women across the workforce reflects women’s significant participation in the University’s academic and administrative operations.
WU also promotes women’s participation in academic leadership and career advancement. In 2025, women accounted for 316 senior academic staff members, compared with 299 men. This representation demonstrates that women at WU have opportunities to progress beyond entry-level positions and contribute to academic leadership, teaching, research, and institutional development.
In addition to equitable recruitment and career opportunities, female staff have access to university facilities and support services on an equal basis. These include health services, mentoring and professional development opportunities, financial support such as staff loans, and university accommodation. Such provisions help create a supportive working environment in which women can pursue their professional responsibilities and career development.
WU further recognizes that achieving gender equality in employment requires more than equal access to recruitment. The University therefore supports an institutional environment in which women can participate in professional development, assume leadership responsibilities, and contribute their expertise to academic administration and other areas of university operations.
Through these practices, Walailak University continues to strengthen an inclusive and equitable workplace where women can access employment opportunities, develop their careers, and participate meaningfully in the University’s academic and administrative missions.
Supporting Women’s Access, Participation, and Success in Higher Education
Walailak University (WU) is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment in which women can access higher education, participate fully in university life, and pursue their academic and professional aspirations without discrimination. As part of this commitment, WU promotes equal opportunities for women throughout the student journey, from admission and enrolment to academic development, career preparation, and graduation.
WU’s commitment to non-discrimination extends to the admission process. Women and men are provided with equal opportunities to apply for admission and to access educational programmes without discrimination based on sex or gender. The University also takes measures to prevent practices or conditions that may directly or indirectly disadvantage women in accessing higher education.
The participation of women in WU’s student population demonstrates their significant presence within the University community. In 2025, WU had a total of 14,065 students, comprising 9,578 women and 4,487 men. Women therefore accounted for approximately 68.1% of the University’s total student population. This substantial representation reflects women’s active participation in higher education at WU and highlights the importance of maintaining an educational environment that supports their continued academic development.
Mentoring and Student Support
One of WU’s key support mechanisms is the Smile and Smart Center, which provides guidance and support to students throughout their university experience. The Center offers mentoring, counselling, and personal development activities that help female students navigate academic and personal challenges, build confidence, and access appropriate support when needed.
Beyond individual student support, WU also promotes research and activities related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. These efforts contribute to a better understanding of issues affecting women in education, employment, and society and can inform initiatives aimed at improving opportunities and well-being.
Career Development and Professional Preparation
WU also supports female students in preparing for their future careers through the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development. The Center provides programmes such as career guidance, professional development activities, workshops, and internship opportunities. These initiatives help students develop practical skills, gain workplace experience, and prepare for successful transitions from higher education to employment.
By providing these opportunities equally to women, WU supports women’s participation in the workforce and helps strengthen their professional readiness and long-term career development.
Financial Support for Women Students
WU recognizes that financial circumstances can create barriers to accessing and completing higher education. The University therefore provides scholarships and financial support opportunities for female students, helping reduce financial barriers and enabling students to remain engaged in their studies and pursue their educational goals.
Together, these measures provide support across multiple stages of the student experience—from non-discriminatory admission and access to higher education, through mentoring and academic support, to career preparation and financial assistance. Through these initiatives, Walailak University continues to promote equal opportunities for women and create an environment in which female students can participate fully, develop their potential, and contribute to the University’s academic and social community.
Empowering Women Through Platforms for Participation and Leadership
Walailak University (WU) recognizes the importance of creating inclusive platforms where women can express their voices, demonstrate their talents, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. As part of its efforts to promote women’s participation and empowerment, WU organizes the Prom Queen Competition annually through its various schools, providing female students with an opportunity to participate in a public university activity and showcase their individual abilities and perspectives.
The competition is open to female students, providing an accessible platform for participants from different academic backgrounds to engage in university life, communicate their ideas, and express their individuality. Beyond the competition itself, the activity provides opportunities for students to develop interpersonal skills, confidence, communication abilities, and public speaking experience.
Together, these measures provide support across multiple stages of the student experience—from non-discriminatory admission and access to higher education, through mentoring and academic support, to career preparation and financial assistance. Through these initiatives, Walailak University continues to promote equal opportunities for women and create an environment in which female students can participate fully, develop their potential, and contribute to the University’s academic and social community.
Participation in the Prom Queen Competition also encourages students to step beyond conventional expectations and demonstrate their talents and perspectives in a public setting. Through interaction with peers, audiences, and university communities, participants gain experience in presenting themselves, communicating effectively, and taking on visible roles within the University.
WU views such platforms as part of a broader approach to women’s empowerment. Providing women with opportunities to participate, speak publicly, demonstrate their capabilities, and take on representative roles can help strengthen their confidence and encourage greater engagement in university and community activities.
Through initiatives such as the Prom Queen Competition, Walailak University continues to create opportunities for female students to participate actively in university life, develop their personal and leadership capacities, and have their voices recognized. These efforts contribute to SDG 5: Gender Equality by supporting women’s participation, empowerment, and equal opportunities to contribute to the university community and wider society.
Promoting Women’s Leadership in Student Governance
Walailak University actively promotes the participation of female students in student leadership and governance. The University encourages women to take on leadership roles within key student organizations, including the Student Council and Student Administrative Board, providing opportunities for them to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and priorities to student affairs.
In the 2025 academic year, 12 female students served as members of the Student Council, while 18 female students held positions on the Student Administrative Board. Their involvement provides meaningful opportunities to participate in student governance and decision-making while developing leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Through representation in these student bodies, female students are able to contribute to discussions and decisions that affect the wider student community. Their participation also helps broaden the range of perspectives represented in student governance and provides valuable experience for women who may pursue leadership roles in their future academic, professional, and community activities.
By creating opportunities for female students to participate in leadership and decision-making, Walailak University supports the principles of gender equality and women’s empowerment. These efforts contribute to an inclusive university environment in which women are encouraged to have their voices heard, take responsibility, and play an active role in shaping the university community.
Female students at Walailak University benefit from a comprehensive range of initiatives designed to support their academic, professional, and personal development. The University promotes equal access to education, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and university resources, while its non-discrimination and harassment prevention measures help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all women.
Through dedicated support mechanisms, including the Smile and Smart Center, the Center of Excellence on Women and Social Security, and the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, female students can access mentoring, counselling, career preparation, professional development, and support related to women’s rights and empowerment. These services are complemented by opportunities for women to participate in student governance, leadership activities, and university events that encourage confidence, communication skills, and active participation.
Together, these initiatives reflect Walailak University’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment in which female students can develop their potential, pursue their academic and professional aspirations, take on leadership roles, and contribute meaningfully to the University and wider society. Through these efforts, WU continues to advance the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality.
Goal 5:
Gender Equality
Goal 4:
Quality Education
Goal 8:
Decent Work and
Economic Growth
Goal 10:
Reduced Inequalities