(KPL) The Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA )  Women Political Leaders Forum, a key event under the 45th ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, was held in Vientiane with the theme “Enhancing Women’s Political Participation and Leadership: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities Towards an Inclusive Future for All.”

The forum brought together prominent figures and experts to discuss strategies for advancing women’s political leadership across ASEAN.

The forum was attended by notable leaders, including Ms. Thoummaly Vongphachanh, Chairperson of WAIPA, Ar. Siti Roshaimeriyantaty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of AIPA; and Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Delegations from AIPA member countries, observer parliaments, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from international organizations accredited to Laos were also present.

In her opening remarks, Vice President of the Lao National Assembly, Ms. Sounthone Xayachack, welcomed the delegates, expressing the importance of the forum in addressing gender equality. “It is my great honor to attend this forum, where we can share valuable lessons and mechanisms to promote progress in our respective regions,” Ms. Sounthone said. “The forum provides an opportunity to discuss strategies for increasing women’s political participation and explore collaborative efforts for inclusive governance.”

The forum's agenda focused on two key discussions: "Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Increasing Women’s Representation in Parliaments" and "Collaborative Partnerships for Advancing Women’s Political Participation and Inclusive Governance." These topics emphasized the need for regional collaboration and multilateral initiatives to create a conducive political environment for women.

Ms. Sounthone highlighted the global progress in women’s representation in parliaments, noting that women now hold 26.9% of parliamentary seats worldwide. In ASEAN, women’s representation in parliaments has risen from 12% in 2000 to 23% in 2023, though the regional average still lags behind the global figure.

In Laos, the government has prioritized promoting women’s political participation, with several policies, constitutional provisions, and laws aimed at supporting gender equality. "The Lao PDR is committed to increasing women’s participation in politics," Ms. Sounthone stated.

She added that the government aims for women to hold at least 30% of seats in the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils, with current figures showing women hold 21.95% of seats in the National Assembly and 30.48% in Provincial People’s Councils.

Despite these advancements, women across ASEAN still face numerous challenges, including cultural norms, systemic barriers, and limited access to resources. To overcome these obstacles, Ms. Sounthone emphasized the importance of integrating gender perspectives into policymaking and budget allocation processes, as well as strengthening legislative attention to gender roles.

The Lao National Assembly has also conducted an in-depth study to better understand the specific challenges women face, including access to education and health services, violence against women, and traditional norms that limit women’s roles in society. The study’s findings have informed the government’s strategies for addressing these issues and promoting gender equality.

The forum concluded with a call to action for AIPA member parliaments to support initiatives under the 2024–2030 Action Plan and Framework, which aim to advance women’s political participation and leadership. By implementing these initiatives, ASEAN can move toward a more resilient, inclusive, and connected future.

This year’s WAIPA Women Political Leaders Forum serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their contributions recognized in the political arena across ASEAN.

KPL