(KPL) A high-level delegation from the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), led by President of LWU, Ms. Aly Vongnorbountham, met with senior UNICEF officials in New York to reinforce collaboration on gender equality and child protection in the Lao PDR.

The meeting took place during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing pressing challenges affecting women and children.

Discussions focused on tackling child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the TUSIP Programme: Hidden in Plain Sight – Child, Early, and Forced Marriages in the Lao PDR, funded by the Government of Australia. This initiative builds on the Lao PDR’s first national study on child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, providing critical evidence to drive policy action.

UNICEF and UNFPA are also supporting the government in integrating child marriage prevention into the National Action Plan on Violence Against Children and Women 2026-2030, aligning with ASEAN frameworks.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of positive parenting programmes in shaping gender-equitable norms and preventing violence against children. LWU has been instrumental in implementing the Love and Care for Every Child Parenting Programme, promoting early childhood development and positive parenting. UNICEF reaffirmed its support in scaling up and evaluating the programme to reach more families, especially in marginalized communities.

UNICEF encouraged LWU and the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers, and Children to mobilize government ministries for stronger policy action and resource allocation for gender equality.

KPL