The Women's Art Group (WA Group) in Thailand was set up as a channel for women who want to express themselves through art.

The group plans to organize regular meetings where members can get together and discuss art, as well as exchange views on their work whether it is a simple drawing, a paper mache model or embroidery. The purpose is to encourage the women to work on what they enjoy doing and not to feel inhibited.

Two members, Sujinda Asawahaicharm and Niramon Phruethathorn. journalists by profession, share their experiences. to be professional but to have fun. Art is an excellent way of releasing stress. And some people will not even know that they have any artistic ability, until they experiment."

Apart from frames and T-shirts, the group also makes wooden earrings in the shape of the female genetic symbol.

"We would like to promote the symbol as a sign of solidarity for organizations to protect women's rights. The symbol is internationally known, but in Thailand it is not widely recognized," says Niramon.

Source: FOW Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. I. July l99l,Friends of Women, 1379/30 Soi Praditchai Pahonyotin Rd., Samsennai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.