The Development of Female Leaders’s Roles in Urban Communities for Sustainability: A Case Study of Narathiwat Town Municipality

Abstract

          This study aims to (1) analyze female leadership in urban communities within Narathiwat municipality and (2) identify sustainable development strategies for enhancing these roles. This qualitative research employs purposive sampling to select twelve female leaders, including community chairs, representatives from the Female Leadership Development Fund, and former candidates for the House of Representatives. Data were collected with in-depth interviews and analyzed using the statement analysis technique.

          The findings demonstrated that female leaders in this metropolitan community have a role in balancing the management of the city with the duties of both male and female families. In terms of the economy, female leaders foster community employment, stimulate local economies through secondary occupations, and upgrade community products to OTOP status. Socially and culturally, they are involved in youth care, problem-solving, and providing initial assistance to young people. Politically and administratively, the state offers opportunities for female leaders to engage in community development, hence augmenting their positions within the community. The aspect of an environment, female leaders participate in initiatives such as waste separation and house cleaning competitions.

          In order to foster the sustainable development of women's leadership in urban communities, the study recommends that women leaders be encouraged to participate voluntarily, have access to education, and have a basic understanding of politics and governance. This would dispel the myth that "women must be elephants' hind legs" and enable them gain greater acceptance in society. Furthermore, the study recommends that organizations that support women in leadership roles ought to include development planning into their responsibilities in order to enable women leaders to contribute to the creation of sustainable communities.