(KPL) In a significant step towards advancing gender equality in the Lao PDR, the French Embassy has pledged support for eleven civil society organizations through its small grants program, the Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) for 2025.

The grant agreements were signed by Mrs. Siv-Leng Chhuor, the Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, at the French Residence, marking a pivotal moment for gender equality initiatives in the country.

This year’s grants, which form the second and final phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, will support a total of 19 projects with an impressive budget of over half a million dollars. Since its inception in 2010, the French Embassy has funded 82 projects in the Lao PDR, investing more than 3 million dollars in efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights.

The FEF-OSC program aligns with France’s broader commitment to gender equality on both national and global levels. It is closely tied to France’s feminist strategy for 2025-2030, and emphasizes gender equality as a central focus in all of the Embassy's projects. This program is designed to directly support civil society organizations (CSOs) that are actively working to improve the status and rights of women and girls across Laos.

The eleven projects selected for 2025 will be implemented across eight provinces: Bokeo, Salavan, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Phongsaly, Champassack, Luang Prabang, and Khammouane. Notably, six of these organizations will continue projects from 2024, building on the momentum created in the previous year.

Among the projects funded, several focus on addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), women’s economic empowerment, and the inclusion of marginalized groups.

The Ecotouristic Association of Konglor-Natane (AEKN), represented by Mr. Somphong Chaleurnsack, received a grant of 499.7 million LAK for a project aimed at strengthening women’s civic and economic influence in the Hin Boun valley of Khammouane province.

The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership (ADPWL), represented by Ms. Bouakham Sythavong, was awarded 386.2 million LAK for a project targeting the elimination of violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.

The Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), represented by Mr. Sommay Sethanak, will use its grant of 350 million LAK to enhance economic independence and social inclusion for women and people with disabilities in Sekong province.

Sengsavang, led by Ms. Virith Khattignavong, received 490 million LAK to implement a project focused on the reintegration of survivors and women at risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet.

STELLA, under the leadership of Ms. Souphaphone Dangmany, will receive 494.8 million LAK for their initiative aimed at empowering young female leaders and promoting STEAM education among high school students.

The program’s steering committee, which includes representatives from the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reviewed the grant applications and selected the projects that demonstrated the greatest potential to impact gender equality in Laos.

Looking ahead, the FEF-OSC program will transition into a new thematic focus in 2026, marking the close of the two-year gender equality initiative. The French Embassy remains committed to advancing the rights of women and girls, continuing its partnership with civil society organizations to foster inclusive development throughout the region.

KPL