(KPL) In a significant step toward improving the quality and availability of data on violence against women (VAW), three senior government officials from the Lao Statistics Bureau, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and the Lao Women’s Union, along with UNFPA Lao PDR staff, have completed a three-week training course on kNOwVAWdata in Fiji. 

The training, made possible with financial backing from the Government of Australia, aims to strengthen the capacity of Lao officials in collecting and analyzing data related to gender-based violence (GBV).

The kNOwVAWdata course is designed for GBV specialists, statisticians, and policymakers, focusing on the safe, ethical, and methodical collection of VAW data. The course was developed through a regional partnership between UNFPA, the University of Melbourne, Australia's National Research Organisation on Women's Safety (ANROWS), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This initiative is a key investment in the global effort to eradicate violence against women and girls.

Ms Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Laos, said “We are thrilled to have supported the Government of Lao PDR and UNFPA GBV experts to participate in the transformative kNOwVAWdata training program. This training is revolutionising the way data on violence against women is collected and analysed, driving more effective interventions and policies. Australia remains deeply committed to advancing the prevention and response to gender-based violence in Lao PDR. We are proud to collaborate closely with UNFPA and the Government of Lao PDR to drive meaningful change for women and girls in all their diversity”.

The course equips participants with advanced skills in national-level data collection, analysis, and communication, vital for developing effective policies and interventions. This initiative is particularly timely as the Lao government plans to conduct its second National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experience following the national census in late 2025 or early 2026. Strengthening national capacity in this area is crucial for the success of the survey.

Ms. Vilayvanh Bouphanouvong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, highlighted the significance of the training: “The kNOwVAWdata course was a valuable opportunity to connect with our Asia Pacific counterparts, enhancing our ability to conduct, analyze, and advocate for the Lao National Survey on Women's Health and Life.

. Our next step is to mobilize government sectors, development partners, donors, and others in support of the upcoming national survey.”

The knowledge gained from the training will play a pivotal role in Laos’ ongoing efforts to address and combat violence against women. A multistakeholder meeting will be convened soon to share insights from the course and rally support for the 2nd National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experience. By utilizing the expertise acquired, the Lao government aims to drive meaningful change, improving health, social, and economic outcomes for women.

KPL