The Women's Movement in Thai Political Reform (WeMove) has stressed the government should be open to women's opinions about the draft charter in the upcoming referendum.
WeMove coordinator Malee Preukpongsawalee said women are keen to learn more about the draft charter, as they play a pivotal role in the political sphere.
"Women hold the same administrative powers that men do. Over 26 million women, 1.6 million more than men, have the right to vote in the referendum. Therefore, women are the decisive factor in whether the draft will be accepted or rejected," she said.
Ms Malee was speaking at a seminar on the draft constitution held at the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) on Saturday. Activists are worried the government's clamps on free speech in the referendum lead-up could discourage people from having their say on issues of vital concern to them.
The seminar, observed by military and police officers, was also attended by other women's rights organisations and about 100 university students.
Ms Malee said human rights, fairness and freedom for all, regardless of gender and background, must be recognised in the draft charter, particularly with respect to labour and education rights.
Rights of children, women, people with different sexual orientations, disabled and elderly people must be protected, she added.
Thawilwadee Bureekul, a professor at King Prajadhipok's Institute, said the public hoped the charter, if passed in the referendum, will help the country survive a crisis.
It must be put up for people to study, particularly Section 25 which involves the freedom of citizens and Section 71(4) on state budget allocations.
She said the government must also be aware of the people's needs which vary according to their gender and backgrounds. "If the draft constitution passes the referendum, WeMove will keep an eye on state budget strategies as they must be in line with Section 71. More importantly, there must be accountability," Ms Thawilwadee added.
Meanwhile, Siripan Nogsuan, a professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science, expressed doubts over the charter, saying although people will be able to elect MPs, the army-appointed Senate will join MPs in choosing the next premier.