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As the world gears up for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a new wave of Lao youth is taking a stand through digital storytelling, using their voices to confront the deeply rooted practice of child marriage.
On November 4, 2025, the winners of the Podcast Contest — centered on the powerful theme “Child Marriage Increases Gender-Based Violence” — were officially announced in Vientiane.
The Seeker team claimed the top prize, receiving 8 million kip, followed by Yamateng as first runner-up with 5 million kip and Freedom as second runner-up, earning 3 million kip.
Launched in September 2025, the contest brought together 30 talented youth teams, from which 10 finalists were selected to compete in the national round. Their creative podcasts delivered compelling messages on the consequences of child marriage and its connection to gender-based violence, sparking nationwide dialogue and reflection.
The initiative was organized by Plan International Laos, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. Designed by youth, for youth, the contest aimed to empower young people with the confidence, storytelling ability, and digital skills to challenge harmful social norms.
Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos, emphasized that child marriage remains a pressing issue in the country.
“This is not a far-away problem — it happens here. Laos has one of the highest child marriage and adolescent pregnancy rates in the region, with nearly one-third (30.5%) of young women aged 20–24 married before 18,” she said.
One of the winning participants reflected on the contest’s impact: “Beyond podcasting skills, I’ve come to understand how child marriage fuels violence and limits opportunities for young girls. We want to inspire others to say ‘No’ to child marriage and to stand up against all forms of gender-based violence.”
Ms. Mortensen praised the young contestants for their creativity and courage, calling the event “a celebration of youth leadership and innovation.”
“We’re not just handing out awards — we’re recognizing the strength of youth voices and their power to drive social change through this modern platform,” she said.
All finalist podcasts will be featured on Plan International’s social media platforms throughout the 16 Days of Activism campaign, further amplifying youth advocacy and calling for urgent national action to end violence against women and girls.
KPL
