The assistance is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is intended to help affected women and girls access essential hygiene and personal items during the emergency and recovery period.
Flooding has disrupted access to essential services in affected communities, while increasing risks related to health, protection and personal safety. Each dignity kit contains essential personal and menstrual hygiene items and other supplies adapted to the needs of women and girls in emergency situations.

The distribution also provides an opportunity to connect affected communities with information and available services on sexual and reproductive health, prevention and response to gender-based violence, and emergency referral and other support services.
Aly Vongnobountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union, said the LWU would work closely with UNFPA and local authorities through its community networks to ensure the assistance reaches those most in need and helps protect the health, safety and dignity of women and girls during recovery.

UNFPA Representative in Lao PDR Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov said humanitarian emergencies do not affect everyone in the same way, noting that women and girls may face greater challenges in accessing hygiene supplies, health services and protection. He said the provision of dignity kits formed part of UNFPA’s broader commitment to ensuring their specific needs and rights are addressed throughout emergency response and recovery.

Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR Megan Jones said Australia stood with communities affected by flooding and that the support reflected its commitment to ensuring women and girls were not overlooked during emergencies.
The initiative forms part of the longstanding partnership between UNFPA, the Lao Women’s Union and Australia to support the health, protection and rights of women and girls in the Lao PDR. It also contributes to ensuring that their needs are incorporated into emergency preparedness and response and that affected communities can access essential information, supplies and services during recovery.