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In the remote mountains of northern Laos, where access to education and healthcare remains limited, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway—led by girls, one determined voice at a time.
Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos
(KPL) In the remote mountains of northern Laos, where access to education and healthcare remains limited, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway—led by girls, one determined voice at a time.
In an interview with the Lao News Agency on Monday, Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos, shared how the organization is spearheading a movement across Bokeo, Oudomxay, and Saravan provinces to support adolescents—particularly girls—in taking control of their lives and futures.
“When you invest in girls, you invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for all,” said Ms. Mortensen.
At the core of this transformative work are school-based student clubs—safe, vibrant spaces where girls and boys can engage in open discussions on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, child rights, and the value of education.
“These clubs are more than just after-school activities,” Ms. Carol noted. “They are incubators for leadership and personal growth.” Such initiatives help students build confidence, question long-standing gender norms, and develop critical thinking skills. “In our club, I learned that I have the right to say no to early marriage and choose my own future,” she added.
A cornerstone of Plan International Laos’s work is the delivery of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). By equipping adolescents with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and reproductive health, the program empowers young people to make informed choices.
“Many girls drop out of school due to early marriage or unintended pregnancy,” said Ms. Carol. “With CSE, we’re seeing more girls stay in school and envision bigger futures for themselves.”
Beyond education, economic empowerment plays a vital role in supporting young women, especially in rural communities. Plan International Laos offers vocational training and promotes entrepreneurial initiatives such as broom grass cultivation, helping girls build sustainable businesses and gain financial independence.
Through skills training and access to local markets, traditional knowledge is being turned into viable, modern livelihoods—improving household income and strengthening girls’ roles in their communities.
Deep-rooted gender discrimination and cultural taboos continue to hinder girls’ progress. Plan International Laos actively works with parents, caregivers, and community leaders to challenge these norms and encourage open dialogue.
Sengla’s Story: From a Mountain Village to Midwifery
Among the many success stories is Sengla, a young Khmu girl from a remote mountain village who once dreamed of becoming a midwife. With few educational opportunities available locally, her dream seemed out of reach—until she received a scholarship from Plan International Laos.
With that support, Sengla enrolled in a health college far from home and later joined the “Pheuan Thea” (Trusted Friend) program, which enhanced her confidence and clinical skills.
Today, Sengla is a qualified midwife. She provides critical maternal care—including antenatal and postnatal services—and educates other women about reproductive health. Her story is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what’s possible when girls are given the tools and support to succeed.
“She never thought she would become a midwife,” Ms. Carol shared. “Now, she brings life into the world and inspires girls in her village to believe that their dreams matter.”
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by girls in remote and ethnic minority communities—such as early marriage, limited education, and economic insecurity—Plan International Laos is proving that change is not only possible, but already happening.
Through a holistic approach combining education, health, economic opportunity, and community engagement, the organization is building a future where girls across Laos are empowered to lead, thrive, and shape their own destinies.
Plan International Laos is a humanitarian and development organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and achieving gender equality. With a strong focus on adolescent girls—especially those from rural and ethnic minority backgrounds—the organization delivers programs in education, health, youth leadership, sexual and reproductive rights, and economic empowerment across multiple provinces in Laos
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