(KPL) Mobile outreach and activities promoting sexual reproductive health aim to reach more garment factories in Vientiane Capital.

Vientiane Youth Clinic (VYC) working with Lao Women’s Union (LWU) organized a consultation meeting with factory owners and managers in Vientiane Capital on Jun 7 to discuss expansion of ongoing efforts and enhance engagement of the private sector to make available sexual reproductive health information and service to their workforce.

The interactive meeting was led by LWU and UNFPA as the main supporters and attended by owners, managers and workers from 20 factories in Vientiane Capital , as well as representatives of other UN agencies and civil society organizations in Laos.

About 20,000 people work in garment factories, and the vast majority of factory worker is young people aged between 17-25 years. 85 % are female and most of them are migrants from rural areas who are likely to have dropped out of school.

They are likely to be poor, less informed and least likely to access health services, especially sexual reproductive health knowledge and services. Due to the workload, income limitations and lack of knowledge, they do not often consult with health workers.

“By emphasising the importance of SRH for workers in factories, we hope to bring the best benefits to both employers and employees. When young people, women and couples have autonomy over their well-being and sexual reproductive health, they are not only healthier, but their performance also improves, which directly contributes to family and country’s economy,” said Ms Khamphay Latsamy, President of the Vientiane Lao Women’s Union.

“By engaging private sector such as garment factories, a sustainable approach to health, well-being and family planning can be delivered to the vulnerable female workers. It is important that employees, especially young people are aware of their sexual reproductive health and needs, so that they can avoid risky behaviours, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and so that they can make safe and healthy choices,” said Ms Khamph.

Research shows that every 7 in 10 (75%) unmarried young women in the Lao PDR want to use contraceptives but they are not able for a variety of reasons. UNFPA works with government to improve supplies of contraceptives, to train health workers nationwide to meet international standards and be able to provide friendly sexual and reproductive health services to young people regardless of what background they come from.

The Vientiane Youth Centre has trained youth under the Y-Peer concept to provide support at Vientiane Youth Clinic and Hotline service number 1360. Young people, especially women and girls can seek help concerning sexual and reproductive health, family planning and gender-based violence.

“Public private partnerships are critical to solving the health challenges faced by young people. That is the spirit of the SDGs. UNFPA welcomes other private sector partner to join this innovative approach so that the most vulnerable youth and women can access sexual reproductive health information and services,” said Ms Mariam A. Khan.

KPL