The meeting aimed to introduce project objectives and its activities, set out key milestones for the next six months and agree on the roles and responsibilities of the members of the project advisory committee (PAC). Further, it provided an opportunity to discuss avenues for greater Thai Red Cross Society engagement with civil society in addressing the vulnerabilities of female domestic workers.

In her opening remarks Wassika Phueaksomon, Director of International Relations Department, Thai Red Cross Society outlined four core areas of the National Society’s work –  disaster response and preparedness, blood donation, health, and improvement of the quality of life of the most vulnerable – and highlighted the importance of providing support to migrants by building upon ongoing efforts in traditional areas of Red Cross work.  She also noted that while National Society worked with migrants and refugees in the past this is their first experience in supporting this group of beneficiaries through civil society projects.

The project  advisory committee has 17 members, made up of representatives of the Ministries of Labour, Public Health and Justice, Thai Red Cross Society, civil society, academia, female migrant workers and IFRC.  The purpose of PAC, that will meet in person every six months, is to guide and advise on effectiveness and efficiency of project implementation and enhance dissemination of project results. PAC members will play an important role in amplifying the voices of domestic migrant workers and act as a linkage between the civil society and the government, offering suggestions and insights related to policy change.