Closing Gaps between Women's Hopes and Realities

Strengthening Gender Awareness and Reproductive Health Services through the Network of the Lao Women's Union (LAO/02/P02)

The Context

Gender disparities and inequalities exist in Lao PDR in terms of access to resources, information and services. These affect both women's and men's access to information and services related to reproductive health (RH). This project was designed to address the critical need for information at community level in selected villages in northern and southern provinces where a diversity of ethnic groups reside. Accurate information is an important element in accessing RH and understanding gender equality.

The Project

The project focuses on enhancing knowledge and awareness of RH, reproductive rights (RR) and gender equality among women, men and adolescents. The strategy especially takes into account the needs of various ethnic groups covered by the project from a socio-cultural perspective. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of Lao Women's Union (LWU) in implementing community-based RH awareness interventions. Altogether, 200 villages in 12 districts in the North (17% of the total) and 106 villages in eight districts in the South (9% of the total) are targeted.

Through the work of village volunteers (normally one female and one male), the project reaches villagers and disseminates information on basic RH issues through participatory methodologies. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials have been developed on subjects such as family planning, prevention of HIV/AIDS, reproductive rights and safe motherhood to aid village volunteers in their task of raising awareness. In addition, radio programmes addressing key gender and RH messages are broadcast in ethnic languages in target provinces. Advocacy activities are conducted by the LWU management team in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Lao Youth Union to mobilize the support of central, provincial, district and village authorities to promote reproductive health and rights, and gender equality.

Update on Achievements

•  Knowledge of provincial and district trainers on RH and gender issues, and their capacity to train and transfer knowledge and incorporate gender perspectives has been upgraded through training.

•  The capacity of LWU has increased in project management and a gender sensitive approach to RH.

•  Suitable teaching guidelines and materials have been developed for trainers at all levels, taking into account language, knowledge, cultural beliefs and practices.

•  Information on RH and gender has been distributed through media (newspapers, TV and radio), meetings and community activities.

•  Awareness and support to address RH and gender issues has grown among local authorities in target provinces and districts.

Official Facts

Site: Luang Nam Tha and Udomxay (from 2002); Saravan, Sekong and Attapeu (from 2004)

Duration: 2002-2006

Implementing Agency: Lao Women's Union (in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Lao Youth Union.)

Financial Facts

UNFPA: US$ 500,000

Government:   US$ 50,000

Total Budget:   US$ 550,000