(KPL) – The Ministry of Education and Sports, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and various local and international partners, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 and the 8th anniversary of the Noi Framework under the theme "Girls’ Vision for the Future" in Vientiane on October 15.

The event, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay and UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, brought together key stakeholders, including Plan International Laos, Population Services International, Save the Children, Care International, Room to Read, and other organizations, to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of adolescent girls.

Introduced in 2016, the Noi Framework represents over 700,000 adolescent girls in Lao PDR, serving as a platform for addressing critical issues like malnutrition, education, gender inequality, and health. The celebration also marked Noi’s symbolic 18th birthday, reflecting the progress made in advocating for girls' rights and well-being.

Deputy Minister Phommahaxay emphasized the importance of empowering young women, noting that Lao PDR faces one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the region. The adolescent birth rate has increased from 83 per 1,000 in 2017 to 89 per 1,000 in 2023, while the percentage of girls aged 15-19 who are married or in union rose from 23.5% to 26.5% during the same period. Phommahaxay called for clear policies that go beyond support, urging the inclusion of young women in national development plans.

Dr. Kadyrov stressed the importance of investing in adolescent girls, stating, "Empowering adolescent girls not only benefits them but also strengthens the future of the country." He highlighted the need for continued efforts to equip girls with life skills and ensure their access to health care, education, and employment opportunities.

The event also provided a platform to review progress towards the goals of the Noi 2030 Framework, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, education, gender equality, and economic growth. Efforts to address adolescent pregnancy and child marriage were central to discussions, with participants pledging to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and advocate for adolescent-centered programming.

A key highlight of the celebration was the cutting of a cake to honor Noi’s 18th birthday, followed by adolescent girls sharing their perspectives on their rights, particularly in sexual and reproductive health.

As the event concluded, stakeholders committed to advancing the Noi 2030 Framework through stronger partnerships, greater advocacy, and sustained efforts to ensure that no girl is left behind in achieving her full potential.

KPL