Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Govt to support women to develop and participate in nation building

The Lao government will encourage, support and facilitate assistance for Lao women, including female leaders, families of the leadership and all women, so that they can continue developing and fully participate in the building of the nation.
This support will be provided according to their capabilities and actual circumstances, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone confirming the move at a special ceremony held in Vientiane on July 18 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU).
The spouses of Party and government leaders, led by Mrs Naly Sisoulith, the wife of President Thongloun Sisoulith, participated in the event.
The event was also attended by the Vice President, Mrs Pany Yathotou, and  President of the Lao Women’s Union, Mrs Aly Vongnorbountham.
The ceremony honoured the legacy, achievements and enduring contributions of Lao women to national development and social progress over the past seven decades.
Mr Sonexay commend and applauded the achievements of the families of the leadership in the past. He highlighted the crucial role and importance of women within the family, as well as the leadership’s families themselves. From women’s roles in the family to their impact on society, they serve as excellent role models and contribute to social welfare.
Lao women have significant roles in the family and have made many important societal contributions, as a number of women serve as female leaders, civil servants and government officials within Party and State organisations, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts.
This has been the case since the national liberation struggle, and continues in the present day for the protection and development of the nation.
Mrs Naly Sisoulith praised the LWU for its active role in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and supporting the Party and government’s socio-economic development efforts.
She paid tribute to past and present members of the LWU for their dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of women across the country.
Established in 1955, the LWU has grown into a vital mass organisation with branches nationwide, and plays a central role in mobilising women to participate in political, economic and cultural activities.
The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional music, and an exhibition showcasing key milestones in the Union’s 70-year history.
In the past, the leadership family has worked together to strengthen unity within its own ranks. This effort aims to set an example in encouraging the unity of Lao women of all ethnic groups to be strong and to be a force contributing to the preservation and development of the country, as well as the betterment of their own families.
Since 2020, the leadership family has organised a charity walk every year, which is now in its fifth year. Products made from hand-painted wood by Lao artisans are sold at the event.
These sales are supported by all sectors, especially domestic and foreign businesses, resulting in the income or value of assistance  increasing every year. This success has helped the leadership family have funds to assist in various areas across the country.
They also helped build schools and student dormitories in provinces such as Phongsaly,  Luang Namtha, Xayabouly, Huaphan and Salavan. So far, they have built eight schools and five student dormitories and provided a range of learning materials, with the total assistance valued at more than 9.4 billion kip.
Currently, construction work is underway in the provinces of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Additionally, they provide assistance in the form of capital, consumables and medicines.

by Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update July 22, 2025)