In Thailand’s conflict-hit south, women community leaders are using food, education as tools for peace

Advocates say women are key to resolving the deep south conflict, but they are still left out from peace and security decision-making positions

Female community leaders in south Thailand have taken the lead in providing support, training for women and youngsters

This is the third and final story in a series on the role of women in peacebuilding efforts and security across Asia.

Sompong Ad-Inmong was a street food vendor in 2004, when Islamic insurgents launched simultaneous attacks on 11 government locations and security checkpoints in the Muslim-dominated provinces of southern Thailand.

More than 100 insurgents and five members of the security forces were killed.

The attacks prompted Ad-Inmong to become a community volunteer and she has since found creative ways to bring neighbours closer together – from weaving baskets to sharing food.

“The conflicts come from outside. We are a model village, where Muslims and Buddhists live together peacefully,” said Ad-Inmong, currently based in the Panare district of Pattani province.

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Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3203555/thailands-conflict-hit-south-women-community-leaders-are-using-food-education-tools-peace