The Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law, and Development (APWLD) convened its highly anticipated Regional Council Meeting in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 15th to 19th May 2023. The event was graced by the presence of Vice-Chairperson Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, an instrumental figure within APWLD since 2021.
APWLD, renowned as the leading network of feminist organizations and individual activists in Asia and the Pacific, represents a diverse group of women from 30 countries in the region. Over its remarkable 34-year journey, the organization has been steadfastly committed to advancing women’s human rights and advocating for Development Justice.
Committed to its cause, APWLD operates as an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit entity, earning consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, an acknowledgment of its influential work in shaping policies and empowering women.
The Regional Council Meeting brought together passionate representatives from its 265 member organizations, each devoted to uplifting women and dismantling barriers to gender equality. Chiang Mai served as the perfect backdrop for these critical discussions and actions.
The presence of Vice-Chairperson Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, a significant figure in the organization, added fervor and gravitas to the event. Having been an integral part of the Regional Council since 2021, Bhattachan’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving APWLD’s agenda forward.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in insightful dialogues, sharing experiences and strategies to address the challenges faced by women in the Asia-Pacific region. They explored ways to strengthen women’s rights, amplify their voices, and promote meaningful development justice.
The Regional Council Meeting at Chiang Mai stands as a testament to APWLD’s unwavering commitment to women’s human rights and development justice. It signifies a remarkable milestone in the ongoing pursuit of a more equitable and just world for women across Asia and the Pacific. With Vice-Chairperson Yasso Kanti Bhattachan leading the way, the impact of this event promises to reverberate far beyond its closing date
