(KPL) On March 6, 2025, the Women's Union of the Prime Minister's Office, in collaboration with the Women's Union of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Women's Union of the Bank of the Lao PDR, organized a ceremony in Vientiane to celebrate the 115th anniversary of International Women's Day (March 8, 1910–2025).

The event was presided over by Mr. Buakhong Nammavong, Minister and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, and attended by high-ranking officials, representatives from relevant sectors, and invited guests.

The celebration, held under the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment," aimed to foster solidarity, reflect on the historical legacy of International Women's Day, and highlight the achievements, traditions, and growth of the international women's movement and Lao women over the years.

On this occasion, Mrs. Bounnak Dalangakeo, President of the Women's Union of the PMO, stated: "March 8 is a significant political event, commemorating the struggle of women for their liberation and the demand for equality with men. International Women's Day emerged during a time when capitalist economies were expanding, and women faced severe oppression, exploitation, and objectification. They were treated as commodities, subjected to violence, and denied social care. Women worked long hours for low wages, with no job security or health protections for themselves and their children."

"In response to these conditions," she continued, "female workers united to protest and demand better wages and safer working conditions. On March 8, 1908, women marched in New York City, calling on capitalists to reduce working hours, end child labour exploitation, and grant women the right to vote and run for office. Their protest was held under the slogan 'Bread and Roses,' where bread symbolized economic improvement and roses represented a better quality of life."

"In 1910," she added, "the first international conference on women's issues was held in Denmark, with over 100 representatives from 17 countries. The conference officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day. Since then, March 8 has become a significant political event, marking a fundamental victory for the international women's movement in the struggle for the legitimate rights and interests of working women worldwide. The movement's slogans include '8 hours of work a day, equal pay for equal work for men and women, health protection for women and children, opposition to war and aggression, and the preservation of world peace.' Today, March 8 is celebrated in many countries around the world."

As part of the commemoration, the ceremony also featured a discussion forum on three key topics:

"Women and the Patriotic and Development Movement," presented by a representative of the Women's Union of the Ministry of Home Affairs; "Creating Supplementary Income for Families," presented by a member of the Women's Union of the PMO; and "Access to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Funding," presented by representatives from the Lao-Viet Bank and Indochina Bank.

During the ceremony, the Minister and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized the importance of the discussions as an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen solidarity with relevant sectors.

In addition to the formal proceedings, the celebration included various activities such as exhibitions and sales of domestic products, marriage and birth registration services, and banking services provided by commercial banks.

KPL