Lao Women's Union- Collaboration in Empowering Agricultural Workers
Laos Agricultural Workers Women in Laos contribute to the country's labour at a rate of 73% (while men are at 78%), one of the highest rates in South East Asia. However, despite this, there are still high levels of unpaid work. Over 70% of 'unpaid family workers' are women and girls and only 32% are identified as 'own account workers' suggesting that they are less likely to be engaged in work with an income they themselves control. Wage gaps are present between genders, and women also work longer hours, working on average 1.3 more hours . These issues are exacerbated in rural agricultural work. Laos Women's Union As Laos' economy continues to grow, the issue of gender equity remains increasingly important. As a student of Gender Studies I am interested in how this equity can grow in Laos and how international organisations can assist. Within Laos, the Lao Women’s Union is at the forefront of fighting for women’s a...