Representatives from the CEGGA II project attend the “Swap & Share Summit” last week.

Women voice concerns over gender imbalance

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, Mrs Vienvilay Dilaphanh, highlighted the ongoing gender imbalance in opportunities for women in Laos.

Women taking part in a panel discussion talk about the ongoing gender imbalance in opportunities for women.

“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, Mrs Champathong Phochanthilath, emphasised the importance of women supporting one another.

Female staff from government partners, parliamentarians, educational institutions, and civil society come together.

“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.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update May 12, 2025)