(KPL) UNFPA, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Expertise France, The Beasts On The Moon Theater Company and Fanglao Dance Group will kick off an artistic awareness campaign entitled: “My body, My Life, My Future” today supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Under the theme: “Youth empowerment for equal and inclusive development” the awareness event and the theater and dance performance “Live with it” will raise awareness among university students in various provinces on sexual and reproductive health of young people, the statue of adolescent girls and the fight against stigma and discrimination.

Last year, Dr. Pascale Hancart Petitet from the Institute of Research and Development and Dr. Vanphanom Sychareun from the University of Health Sciences concluded a research on «Migrations, Mobility and Infectious Vulnerabilities».

The project focuses on the social and infectious vulnerability of migrant workers. Following this research, the performance “Live with It” has been developed as an innovative form to disseminate the results of the study and reach the population. It combines theater and contemporary dance, and is performed in Lao, French and English.

The show has been created by director Thiane Khamvongsa and is performed by The Beasts On The Moon Theater Company with the participation of the Fanglao Dance Group. Thanks to the Canadian Funds for local Initiatives, a tour in several provinces of the Lao PDR will take place during December 2020 and January 2021.

“To create this show, we have worked on findings from ethnographic interviews collected by the LaoPha association (people living with HIV) as part of the studies. These biographical data relate the living conditions, the social stigma and intimate partner violence, the practices of selling sexual services, but also the love stories that are made and undone,” said Eric Deharo, IRD Representative in Laos.

Antoine Blomquist, AUF Representative in Laos informed that the group of artists and experts will be performing and exchanging with young people on December 4th at the National University of Laos, on the 8th at the University of Health Sciences, the 15th at the École Normale Supérieure of Luang Prabang, the 12th January at the University of Savannakhet and the14th January et the École Normale Supérieure of Paksé.

UNFPA is supporting this initiative as part of the promotion of the rights of adolescent girls under the Noi framework using the principles of comprehensive sexuality education which cover topics of wellbeing, informed and free choices, respect, gender equality and zero tolerance to discrimination and violence.

“When youth are engaged and involved to develop solutions for their communities, they can lead the way to achieving the 2030 sustainable development agenda,” said Mariam A Khan, UNFPA’s Representative in the Lao PDR, adding that “each young person, if educated and empowered can make positive choices for themselves, for claiming their rights, and supporting the rights of women and girls around them, thus contributing to a more equitable future.” 

Noi Yakhoo Mobile App and mental health and psychosocial support telephone helplines will also be disseminated in these events to encourage young people to use these resources for accessing information and services. 

KPL