(KPL) The Government of Lao PDR- represented by the Lao Women Union (LWU)- accompanied by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Australia on February 20 conducted a joint visit to Bokeo Province to observe the progress of the protection and counseling centre that provides life-saving services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Lao PDR.

The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between LWU, UNFPA and Australia in advancing gender equality and strengthening GBV response mechanisms in the country.

During the visit, president of LWU, UNFPA’s Representative and Australia’s Deputy Head of Missions engaged with shelter staff and service providers, witnessing firsthand the impact of comprehensive support and services that include safe accommodation, medical care, psychosocial counseling, legal assistance, and vocational training to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Survivors also shared their personal journeys, highlighting how the shelter’s services have empowered them to regain their confidence, independence, and dignity.

The partnership between LWU, UNFPA and Australia has been instrumental in strengthening coordinated quality GBV services in the Lao PDR, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support and services through strengthened constitutional capacities and GBV coordination and referral pathway mechanisms.

The collaboration also has addressed GBV prevention by engaging men and community members in challenging social norms and harmful practices that reinforce GBV in their communities.

The visit also discussed key areas for continued partnership and collaboration over the next four years. Key areas include expanding GBV social and health services, strengthening multi-sectoral coordination, referral pathways, scaling up male engagement initiatives.

Furthermore, the visit also explores the support for conducting a Second National Survey on Violence Against Women in Laos. As the first National Survey on VAW was conducted in 2014, a second survey is crucial to measure progress and guide future actions and policy frameworks.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls is not just a priority but a responsibility. Australia is proud to support the Lao PDR’s efforts in strengthening GBV prevention and response, ensuring that every survivor has access to the protection and services they need,” said Ms Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Missions, Australian Embassy.

While Bokeo’s strategic location and economic opportunities attract tourists and businesses, they also contribute to increased risks for women and girls, both local and foreign, making them particularly vulnerable to various forms of violence, including human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation.

Thanks to support from the Australian Government, UNFPA, LWU, and provincial governors, the Bokeo Province Counselling and Protection Centre for Women and Children opened its services in 2023.

The centre provides comprehensive services for GBV survivors, including food, shelter, legal aid, medical care, education, vocational training/economic assistance, and reintegration support.

"The protection and empowerment of women and girls are at the heart of the Lao PDR’s development. This protection centre is more than a safe space—it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the collective commitment of our government and partners to ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from violence. As we work towards the goal of zero gender-based violence by 2030, we aspire to establish at least one protection shelter in every province. Combined with the rollout of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coordinated health, social, and justice services, along with strengthened prevention programmes, we are creating a comprehensive response to GBV—one that ensures survivors receive the protection, care, and justice they deserve, while working to prevent violence from occurring in the first place." said Ms. Aly Vongnorbountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union.

With the support of the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),, significant strides have been made in strengthening GBV prevention and response not only in Bokeo  but across the country. The partnership has enabled the expansion of protection and counseling centres, providing safe shelter, legal aid, medical care, psychosocial support, and vocational training for survivors. Coordination SOPs have been rolled out and implemented to improve collaboration and synergy across the health, social, and justice sectors, ensuring a survivor-centered approach. Capacity-building efforts have strengthened service providers’ ability to deliver quality care, while awareness campaigns have engaged communities to prevent violence before it happens.

Importantly, Australia's support has strengthened national systems, ensuring sustainable GBV services and supporting the Lao PDR’s commitment to ending violence and empowering women and girls.

"Thirty years ago, at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the world committed to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual. Today, this shelter and 5 others in different provinces in the Lao PDR stand as a testament to that promise—a place of healing, hope, and empowerment for survivors of GBV. Behind every statistic is a woman, a girl, a family striving for a life free from fear. We must continue working together to break the cycle of violence, strengthen accountability, and ensure that every woman and girl in the Lao PDR can live with safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive," stated UNFPA Representative in the Lao PDR Bakhtiyor Kadyrov.

The joint visit underscores the shared commitment of UNFPA, LWU and Australia to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind. Moving forward, sustained investment and collaboration will be key to scaling up protection services, strengthening GBV prevention efforts, and ensuring that the Lao PDR meets its ICPD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) commitments.

KPL