UNHCR partners with Thai Fintech Association to advocate for tech and humanitarian synergy for refugee women.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced last year that the number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence and human rights violations globally is likely to have exceeded 114 million, more than half of whom were women and girls. In times of forced displacement, women and girls face an increased risk of discrimination and gender-based violence. Therefore, UNHCR Thailand set up the Leading Women Fund in 2022, serving as a women-led community to support refugee women.

“During the past two years, the Leading Women Fund, supported by successful women in

Thailand enabled UNHCR to provide cash-based assistance to about 500 Syrian refugee women and their families living in Jordan,” said Evelien Vandeven, Protection Officer – UNHCR Thailand.

“This year, we aim to expand the fund to benefit a wider group of refugee women around the world by supporting livelihoods, healthcare employment and education.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March, UNHCR in  collaboration with the Thai Fintech Association, organized a special talk, “Standing with  Refugee Women – Tech and Humanitarian Synergy”

The event gathered leading women from various sectors to talk about the role of women in

supporting, inspiring and investing in each other.

“Thai Fintech Association has a mission to enhance fintech’s role in contributing
to the development of the financial industry both at local and international levels,” said

Mr. Chonladet Khemarattana, President of the Thai Fintech Association. “Fintech can support humanitarian work by providing financial inclusion for refugees with dignity and for sustainability of the refugees when they receive access to the relevant financial services”.

The Leading Women Fund obtained high interest from high-profile supporters and successful women from many sectors in Thailand. Thanks to the Fund, they have made a difference together and continue to inspire each other to stand with refugee women.

“I understand what it is like to be a mother who will do everything for the future of her children” said Sririta Jensen Narongdej Actress, Model and Distinguished Member of Leading Women Fund “I heard the stories of mothers who have become single mother because they were forced to flee due to war and conflicts. I am determined to support them because helping one refugee woman means that we help the whole family.

Support from private sector is essential for UNHCR in delivering life changing opportunity to refugee women. Be a part of “Leading Women Fund”, please go to

www.unhcr.org/th/leading-women-fund

Special thanks to the generous support from SCBX Next Tech and Siam Paragon in supporting venue, SEEFAH Catering in supporting snack box, LDA Official in supporting the moderator and the digital tree (Tree of Opportunity) by Carenation and Looloo Technology which will help raising fund for refugee women with UNHCR throughout the year.