REGIONAL NETWORK

HomeNet Thailand operates through three networks at the moment. These networks also work with one another. Each region acts as a network to influence government policy on social protection.

We hope to expand our network base in the near future to more effectively reach our clients at the grassroots and have already started this in the south. One of our main contacts is with a group who weaves baskets and mats from banana straw. This group is part of a Muslim community with different customs and religious traditions from Thailand’s Buddhist majority. We reach out to all.

Northern Network

Ø This was established in the early 1990s with the support of ILO–DANIDA in collaboration with the YMCA of Chiangmai. In 1996, the network was taken over by the Institute of Science and Technology Research and Development, Chiangmai University.

Ø As at 2001, there were 46 groups with more than 2000 home-producer members who organized themselves into committees to oversee network activities. Most of the members are own-account workers involved in traditional as well as modern weaving and handicrafts. Other equally resourceful groups are engaged in dress- and cloth-making, wood carving, and food preserving and processing.

Northeast Network

Bangkok homeworker leader (center) presenting a gift to Hista Wijaya of Homenet Indonesia while Rakawin Lee, Homenet Thailand National Coordinator, looks on

Ø This was established in 1985 as the Northeast Women’s Network for the promotion of women’s participation in society.

Ø The network has its own shop selling woven products and handicrafts made by women. The shop is also used as a coordination centre.

Ø From 1997, the network has started to work with subcontracted workers in the villages as well.

Ø The network has about 70 groups of home producers and over 30 groups of homeworkers made up of just over 4,500 members (in 2001).

Success Story of Isan

Northeast network has been involved in various issues in the Northeast of Thailand, including political participation of women, natural resource management, economic and social rights of women , health and safety ,etc.

The Panmai and Praepun groups of women weavers have earned a very good reputation for their successful organization and their revolving fund and welfare scheme

The Northeast network launched the Health Promotion Scheme in the year 2002-2003 ,which has been implemented among seven groups in four provinces. It has also assisted the groups to improve their working conditions and equipment, by providing a fund to subsidize them .

Bangkok Network

Ø This network, formed in 1999, addresses the needs of the majority group; i.e., sub-contracted homeworkers in Bangkok.

Ø Job creation and training as well as social protection for women homeworkers are a priority for the members here.

Ø The network is presently coordinated by homeworker leaders with the assistance of Homenet Thailand

Ø The network is divided into three zones , Burapa, Romklaw, and Thonburi

As at 2001, this network catered to about 10 districts in Bangkok which consist of approximately 50 groups / 600 homeworkers.

Success Story of Bangkok Network

Homenet Bangkok is very active in presenting homeworkers’ demands in many events such as International Women’s Day and May Day. It also joins other workers ‘activities in various policy campaigns.
Homenet Bangkok has also been successful in creating a market space for Homenet members ,and linking up with the source of subcontracting work, especially in garments, for rural homeworkers.
In 2002-2003 , four groups have undergone the training program on Health and Safety for Homebased Workers . They now have about 10 leaders who can monitor the health and safety standards at work in their communities

Expansion Work in Laos

Through Homenet Thailand, Homenet Southeast Asia is doing work with Lao NGOs and women’s groups on homeworker concerns. The work plan for this year includes skills development training, as well as fora on homeworker issues, networking and advocacy.