VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): The Citizen Engagement for Good Governance, Accountability and Rule of Law (CEGGA) II project is moving forward with plans to promote gender equality and empower women.
The “Swap & Share Summit” on May 8 was a good example of the project’s ambition, bringing together female staff from government partners, parliamentarians, educational institutions, and civil society to learn, to share experiences, to connect, and to inspire each other.
During the panel discussion, a National Assembly member for Luang Prabang constituency, Vienvilay Dilaphanh, highlighted the ongoing gender imbalance in opportunities for women in Laos.
“Parliament has set a 30 percent quota for female candidates, which is a promising target but, in reality, we often struggle to even find enough candidates. Many women still lack the confidence and support they need to step forward,” she said.
Director of the Gender Studies Centre under the Faculty of Social Science, National University of Laos, Champathong Phochanthilath, also emphasised the importance of women supporting one another.
“In many organisations, women often take on more responsibilities and have the skills, but sometimes lack the confidence and limited opportunity to fully show their potential.”
“Therefore, as women, we must first believe in ourselves and support one another. We cannot expect acceptance from others unless we accept and uplift each other first.”
This event was part of the programme’s initiative to empower Lao female staff to ensure they have an equal voice alongside their male colleagues.
CEGGA II is funded by Team Europe Partners Switzerland, Germany, and the European Union and is implemented by GIZ.
The programme aims to promote citizen engagement in good governance, the rule of law, and access to justice in Laos for a more inclusive national development process. - Vientiane Times/Asia News Network
