(KPL)Gender equality and women’s social, economic and political empowerment is one of the 17 sustainable development goals, but also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development. In every country in the world, the fight for women’s rights remains a daily struggle. On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the French Embassy in Lao PDR joined forces to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for urgent action to close the gender gap.

Women from all walks of life, Lao and from the international community, gathered at the French Ambassador’s residence for a Women’s networking event on Tuesday 12 March. The event provided an opportunity for women to connect and foster a sense of community and solidarity.

French Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor, vice-president of the Lao Women’s Union Silikit Buppha, and UNDP Resident Representative Martine Thérer opened the event under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" and reflected progress and challenges worldwide and in Lao PDR.

According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2023, “economic participation and opportunity” is the area where Lao PDR has made the most significant strides, ranking 5th globally out of 146 countries and 1st in the Asia-Pacific region. But, despite this great achievement, women’s average income is still just 77% of that of men, they are overrepresented in low-skill occupations, and spend a disproportionate amount of time on unpaid family and care work. For Lao PDR to close the gender gap, further efforts are also needed in educational attainment, political empowerment, health and survival, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This will require adequate resources for programmes with gender equality as a principal objective.

Investing in women, is also about breaking down barriers and bias and collectively committing to accelerating progress. In recognition of the role of men in achieving gender equality, a “He for She Laos” award, inspired by the United Nations global solidarity movement, was given to Mr Keovisouk Dalasane, CEO of 108 Jobs and adviser to the “Women’s Economic Empowerment Miracle”, an initiative that supports women entrepreneurs, for his commitment to  women’s empowerment in Lao PDR.

The event marked the launch of a series of gender equality dialogues and events that will be organized throughout the year by UNDP and the Embassy of France and, as part of their commitment to promote women's rights and gender equality in Lao PDR.

KPL