Lao Women's Union- Collaboration in Empowering 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.

https://laospdrnews.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/govt-steps-up-efforts-to-end-violence-against-women/
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 and children’s rights. Lao Women's Union is one of four organisations that are responsible for 'uniting all the people’.

As women play a crucial role in agriculture, it’s clear that a collaboration between the Lao Women’s Union and NGO’s in empowering rural agricultural women would be crucial in developing gender equity in Laos. However, due to the strength of the ‘household’ in rural Laos, gender differences are difficult to approach. It’s clear that any attempt to change beliefs about gender must be done carefully and with respect to ethnic traditions. There is a crucial need for collaboration with the Lao Women’s Union.

If you’re interested in this topic I’d suggest reading this report on Laos and Gender Equity in Agriculture.

(It’s interesting to note that due to vast diversity of ethnic groups, gender differences vary greatly; some are even matriarchal!)


Infographic From CGIAR







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