Voices of change: Amplifying gender equality in rural Lao People's Democratic Republic

VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic (ILO news) – In rural areas of southern Lao People's Democratic Republic, gender inequality has long been a barrier to human development and equal access to opportunities.

With this in mind, groups of women and men have come together through the European Union-funded SOLAR project, co-implemented by ILO and Oxfam, to identify and discuss their wishes, wants and concerns in a series of sessions that set out to empower women and promote change.

© Mongkon Duangkhiew/ILO

© Mongkon Duangkhiew/ILO

Traditionally, in Lao society social norms have dictated that men are the primary breadwinners and women focus on childcare and domestic chores. Women also help out on the farm and with family businesses. These tasks are usually unpaid.

In the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 76 per cent of women working in agriculture are “contributing” family workers. Such traditions not only overburden women, but also discriminate against single mothers and women-headed households.

"For a long time, there has been a social norm of categorizing work based on gender. We assumed that women have limited knowledge and can only do housework", said Mr. Sith Singbanhan, a farmer from Laonga Village, Salavan Province.

Social norms such as these do not just limit girls and women to the household, but also restrict their access to good education, public services, and opportunities to participate in social activities and community meetings. They also limit women from having a voice and decision-making ability in the workplace and accessing decent employment.

Gender inequality can percolate different aspects of people’s lives. These aspects need to be understood fully and given sufficient importance, to positively create change in people’s lives.

To help this process of understanding, the SOLAR project has introduced a Gender Action Learning System (GALS) initiative in 34 villages in southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Its core belief is that “when villagers develop a better understanding of gender issues, even within their own families, they have the power to bring about significant change”.

During the GALS sessions, women strengthened their voices and abilities, while men jointly helped come up with solutions.

© Mongkon Duangkhiew/ILO

© Mongkon Duangkhiew/ILO

“GALS helps them to see how the needs and concerns of women and men are different. We noticed that, since the training, there has been a rise in family conversations. Now, husbands and wives frequently attend social events together. This is a good indication of progress, especially when, in the past, only men were involved in meetings,” said Kolaka Bouanedaoheuang, Director of Phanthin Social Enterprise, which organizes GALS sessions in southern Lao villages.

As these changes started taking force, gradual yet clear improvements can be seen. Alcohol addiction among men has decreased in communities and there has been a narrowing of the gap in social participation. Women started taking on more active roles in outdoor agricultural work, while men began to assist with household chores.

“Things have changed a lot from the past when women were solely responsible for taking care of babies and always had to bring them to the field. Nowadays, we work together and go everywhere as a team, supporting each other with weeding, coffee harvesting, and even taking care of our children”, said Ms. Phet Xayalath, a farmer from Nongchua Village, Salavan Province.

Leading to transformative change is not easy, especially when society dictates that men must always appear strong and women have to support men. GALS is an innovative approach promoting change from within, and answering the women’s hope for greater decision-making power within their families. GALS has helped to enhance villagers’ understanding and foster a sense of shared responsibility. Over time, it can contribute significantly towards better gender equality and overall socio-economic development in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.