(KPL) The Embassy of France, the United Nations Population Fund “UNFPA” and the United Nations Development Program “UNDP” on March 7, hosted a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) at the French Institute of Laos under the global theme: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth, and women from different sectors to honor women’s achievements, discuss challenges, and reaffirm commitments to advancing gender equality in the Lao PDR.

The event featured interactive activities, sessions led by health, social and justice service providers on effective GBV response, art exhibitions, and the immersive experience "Wearing Her Hat," showcasing the diverse roles, backgrounds, and hopes of Lao women.

The celebration included panel discussions where speakers from the Counseling and Protection Center for Women and Children of LWU, One-Stop Service Unit, Mahosod hospital, and the justice sector shared their experiences on GBV response. Attendees also had access to booths hosted by NGOs, UN agencies, and development partners, providing information on women's rights, free health check-ups, and empowerment programs.

Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Vice Minister of Health, emphasized the critical link between gender equality and the health, social, and legal development agendas:

"The development of the nation is built on the foundation of ensuring the well-being and rights of women and girls. Ensuring access to quality services and care and responding to the needs of survivors of sexual violence, including sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive maternal and child care, is essential for economic development. The Government of the Lao PDR is committed to working with development partners to ensure that all people have access to services and care to enable them to have a safe, healthy and empowered future, especially women and children.”

Ms. Siv-Leng Chhuor, French Ambassador to the Lao PDR, reaffirmed France’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment: “As part of France’s feminist diplomacy, which makes gender equality and the rights of women and girls a priority of our foreign policy, all projects supported by the French Embassy in Laos address gender issues to ensure that women’s contributions are both mobilized and recognized. The French Embassy is notably supporting eight Laotian civil society organizations that implement projects for gender equality through its two-year Equipe France Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC) programme, with a total budget of 500,000 euros.”

Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, emphasized the importance of collective action and inclusive policies:

"When women and girls are empowered to make their own choices, access opportunities, and contribute fully to society, entire nations thrive. Achieving this requires more than just commitment; it demands action, investment, and accountability. Through joint initiatives and partnerships, we will continue to amplify the voices of women from all backgrounds, ensuring their lived realities shape policies, programs, and solutions that directly impact their lives. Together, we must accelerate progress towards a future where no woman or girl is left behind."

The International Women’s Day celebration is a moment of recognition and a powerful call to action. It underscores the urgency of strengthening gender-responsive policies, investing in women’s leadership, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By working together—governments, development partners, civil society, and communities—we can build a future where every woman and girl in the Lao PDR is empowered to reach her full potential, free from discrimination and violence. True progress is only possible when equality is  a lived reality for all.

KPL