Context
Women in Laos, especially in rural areas, face structural barriers that limit their economic activities. Traditional beliefs and gender roles hinder their participation in trade and financial growth. They lack support and access to services, networks and political participation. The limited opportunities drive many women to take on risky jobs and poor working conditions, for example in neighbouring countries.
Objective
Women in the rural provinces of Luang Namtha and Salavan are better integrated into the economy and better able to participate in trade in the cities of Vientiane and Champasak.
Approach
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented together with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Agency (MSMEPA) of the Lao Ministry of Industries and Commerce (MoIC). The main target groups include women working in poor conditions and as micro-entrepreneurs. There is a particular focus on disadvantaged groups such as ethnic minorities and women with disabilities.
The project supports women by providing training and advisory services that enable them to develop their economic potential, secure an income and improve the market position of their enterprises.
It also advises Lao policy-makers on the implementation of gender-equitable reforms. It works with chambers of commerce and associations on support programmes. And in partnership with companies, it develops local value chains that have a high proportion of women. The project works with media partners to make women’s achievements more visible. It involves men as change agents to promote equality and avoid negative effects such as family conflicts (‘do no harm’ approach).