The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of France, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) at the French Institute of Laos under the global theme:

For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth, and women from various sectors to celebrate women's achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and reaffirm commitments to gender equality in Lao PDR.

With over 200 participants, including government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth, and women from diverse sectors, the event fostered meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action. The campaign extended beyond the event, reaching over 16,000 people on social media and securing the support of 22 partners to participate in booth display.

“Wearing Her Hat” – A 17-Woman Immersive Experience

A key highlight of this year’s IWD celebration was "Wearing Her Hat", a powerful exhibition showcasing the personal journeys of 17 Lao women. This immersive experience brought to life their struggles, resilience, empowerment, and leadership, offering a compelling narrative of the diverse roles and aspirations of women in Lao PDR.

Discover the Stories of 17 Inspiring Women

Wearing Tui’s Hat to Claim the Right to Work and Thrive

 

My name is Tui. I am 22 years old, and I wear the hat of an innovator, a creator, and a woman who refuses to be defined by limitations."

 

I work to transform old, unused newspapers into new products—breathing life into what others discard. But before I got to this point, I had to overcome many challenges. Society often sees people with disabilities as incapable, as burdens to our families and communities. I have faced these prejudices firsthand.

Yet, I have always believed that every person has talent. It is not about what we can’t do—it is about discovering what we can do and using it to build a better future.

Through my work with the Lao Disabled Women's Association, I have found purpose, and the opportunity to contribute. I know there are many women with disabilities who want to earn a living, to create, to stand on their own feet. To them, I say: you are capable, you have value, and your future is in your hands.

This International Women’s Day, the Wearing Her Hat experience reminds us that true equality means ensuring every woman—regardless of ability—has access to opportunities. When women with disabilities are empowered, they are not burdens; they are leaders, creators, and changemakers.

Wearing Sonphet’s Hat to Overcome Challenges and Embrace Opportunity

My name is Sonphet. I am 24 years old, and I wear many hats—of resilience, learning, and empowerment. But before I could wear them with pride, I had to overcome many obstacles."

After high school graduation, I pursued vocational training at the Sikerd Vocational School for Persons with Disabilities. But then, COVID-19 shut down my studies, leaving me uncertain about my future. In a world where opportunities are often limited for women with disabilities, I struggled to find a way forward.

Yet, I refused to let my circumstances define me. A friend introduced me to the Association for the Promotion of Vocational Training for the Visually Impaired, which led me to the Lao Disabled Women's Association. There, I found my purpose and the opportunity to grow.

Today, I proudly wear the hat of a determined woman working towards a future of dignity and independence. I am developing my skills, proving that disability is not inability, and inspiring others to believe in themselves.

This International Women’s Day, through the Wearing Her Hat experience, I invite you to step into the reality of women like me. Women who fight for education, equality, and a place in society. Women who—despite the barriers—rise, thrive, and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Laos.

Because when women, of all abilities and backgrounds, are given the chance to learn and lead, we all move forward together.

 

Wearing Lao Khang’s Hat from the Fields to the Field

 My name is Lao Khang, and I grew up in Nonghet District, Xieng Khouang Province. Like many girls, I spent my childhood balancing school and farm work. But when my father fell ill, I had to leave school at 13 to take care of my family. I dreamed of going back, but financial struggles and social pressures kept me in the fields.”

In 2012, rugby changed my life. Through a pilot project by the Lao Rugby Federation and ChildFund Laos, I found more than just a sport—I found confidence, leadership, and opportunity. Becoming a coach gave me my first chance to travel beyond my village, improve my Lao language, and gain new skills. Soon, I was leading the first-ever rugby competition in my district and helping train other young women to do the same.

Rugby took me further than I ever imagined. I represented Laos in international tournaments, earned a scholarship to study in Hong Kong, and became the first Hmong-speaking Coach Educator in Laos.

Today, I balance being a mother, a coach, and a leader in Lao rugby. I helped Laos become a full World Rugby member, and I continue to train young athletes to believe in themselves. Rugby gave me a second chance—now, I use it to give other girls theirs.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of pride, reminding every girl that your dreams are worth fighting for, no matter where you come from.
 

Wearing Dr. Bouasa’s Hat as a Healer and Mentor

My name is Bouasay Xayyachit. I am a medical doctor and I work at the Vientiane Women and Youth Development Center. Becoming a doctor is a dream many people have, but for me, it was more than that—it was a calling. I have always loved helping others, providing care, and making a difference in people’s lives.”

Choosing this path was not easy. Medical school is long, demanding, and requires endless patience and dedication. There were times when the challenges felt overwhelming, but I never gave up—because I knew that effort never betrays those who truly believe in their purpose.

Today, I wear my white coat with gratitude, knowing that every patient I treat and every life I touch makes the journey worth it. But beyond my work, I also want to inspire the next generation. 

To the young girls and boys dreaming of making change—be determined, be patient, and never stop believing in yourself. If you truly love a profession and are willing to work for it, your dreams are possible, and one day, they will come true.

 

Wearing Thavadxai’s Hat for Inclusion

My name is Thavadxai. I am transgender and I work with Proud to Be Us. I grew up in a society where being different often meant being invisible.”

In 2017, when I started working for LGBTIQ rights, there was no organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with diverse gender identities in Laos. Only Proud to Be Us had begun paving the way. I saw this as an opportunity—not just for myself, but for everyone like me—to be a voice, to build acceptance, and to create understanding in our communities.

Being transgender has not always been easy, but I believe that obstacles are simply tests of our resilience. With determination and patience, we can turn barriers into steppingstones toward success.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of inclusion, reminding everyone that diversity is not a challenge—it is a strength. I dream of a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, is respected, valued, and free to be themselves. A society where we do not just tolerate differences but celebrate them. Let’s build that world together.

 

Wearing Souphavanh’s Hat of a Young Advocate for Our Planet

My name is Souphavanh, and I am an International Relations student at NUOL, a member of the EU Youth Consultative Group. Growing up in Laos, I witnessed how social and environmental challenges affected communities around me. This ignited my passion and drove me to work at the intersection of law, governance, and environmental sustainability to ensure that no one is left behind.”

My path has been shaped by engagement across different sectors and organizations to ensure that Lao youth voices are heard in shaping policies. I support judicial actors and institutions, particularly in environmental law. I also serve as the Young Professional Country Coordinator for Laos in the Sustainable Mekong Research Network, where I work with researchers and policymakers to tackle environmental governance issues in the Mekong region.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of leadership, reminding every young woman that your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your leadership matters. 

Dare to step forward—because the world needs your courage and passion.

 

Wearing Phout-Aly’s Hat of Empowerment

My name is Phout. I founded Xonphao Center in 2017-not just as a business- but as a mission to empower people with disabilities.”

As a woman with a disability, I had a mission to empower myself and empower others with me. To show that every person, no matter their circumstances, has potential.

When I started, it was just me, a vision, and a small group of volunteers—one able-bodied person and three disabled women. We had no salaries, only determination. For a year, we experimented, learned through trial and error, and built our skills so that one day, we could officially open a Handicraft Center run by and for people with disabilities.

The journey was not easy, but step by step, we grew. By the second year, we had 20 members. By the third, 35. Today, Xonphao Center is a place where underprivileged and disabled individuals are not just trained but empowered to earn a living, to gain independence, and to contribute to society.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of empowerment, proving that disability is not inability. I dream of a world where every person—regardless of physical limitations—has the opportunity to build their own future, to be seen for their abilities, and to live with dignity.

 

Wearing Joumphoukham’s Hat of Determination

My name is Joumphoukham, and I am 17 years old. I am studying Food and Hotel Management at the Savannakhet Provincial Technical and Vocational College, preparing for a future in the hospitality industry.”

My journey is about more than just learning skills for a career—it’s about breaking barriers and proving that young women can lead in any field they choose.

Alongside my studies, I volunteer in sex education, helping other young people understand their rights, their choices, and the importance of health and empowerment. I believe that education, in every form, is the key to changing lives—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of determination. I want to be a role model for other young women, showing them that we can dream, we can lead, and we can shape our own futures. No matter where we come from, we all deserve the chance to build a career, to contribute to society, and to succeed on our own terms.
 

Wearing Sanga’s Hat for Education

My name is Sanga Bouphavong, and I am 38 years old. As a technical teacher at Savannakhet Provincial Technical and Vocational College, I guide students in building their skills for the future.”

 

Beyond teaching, I have taken on a bigger responsibility—ensuring that young people, especially women, have access to knowledge that empowers them to make informed decisions about their health, rights, and futures.

As a Comprehensive Sexuality Education trainer, I work with teachers and students in my college, helping them understand not only health and gender roles but also the power of education in shaping their lives. My passion extends beyond the classroom. As a community education trainer, I bring critical knowledge to women in remote areas—because no woman should be left without the information she needs to protect her rights and well-being.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of education. Every lesson I teach is a step towards a more informed and equal society. Knowledge is not just power—it is the foundation for change. And I am committed to making sure every woman and girl in my community has the opportunity to learn and grow.

Wearing Lodchana’s Hat of strength

My name is Lodchana. I am 18 years old, and I believe that learning, training, and striving for change are the keys to growth. Everything starts from within ourselves.”

I started volunteering at the age of 14—first in small activities, then gradually taking on bigger responsibilities. But getting here wasn’t easy. I had to prove myself again and again, overcoming challenges, self-doubt, societal expectations, and even the limitations placed on me because of my age. There were moments of pressure and moments of failure, but I never let them define me. Instead, I used every challenge as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to push forward as a youth leader.

Today, as a student at the National University of Laos and a representative of Family Planning 2030, I continue to advocate for youth engagement and empowerment. I want to tell every girl who has a dream: don’t let anyone—or your age—hold you back. Believe in yourself, dare to step forward, and embrace new opportunities. And if you fall, remember: every setback is a lesson that will make you stronger.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of strength. Because when young women feel strong and lead, they don’t just change their own lives—they inspire change in the world around them.

 

Khamla – Wearing the Hat of Transformation

Life is a journey of both light and darkness, and mine has been no exception. At just 20 years old, I got married, started a family, and worked at a café while also caring for my elderly parents.”

While expecting my second child, my world changed completely—I went through a painful divorce. It was one of the most challenging times in my life, yet I held onto one thing: my determination to keep my family together.

The struggle deepened when I gave birth to my third child, and my husband abandoned us. Suddenly, I was a single mother with three daughters, fighting every day to provide for them. I worked tirelessly, pushing through exhaustion, loneliness, and uncertainty. But I never gave up.

After years of hardship, I found a new beginning. I remarried, regained stability, and continued my career as a Lao language teacher. Teaching is more than just a job to me—it’s my passion. Beyond the classroom, I have stepped forward as a leader in my community, sharing my experiences to inspire and empower other women.

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of resilience and transformation. Because even in the face of adversity, women can rise, thrive, and create a future filled with hope—not just for themselves, but for those who walk this journey after them.

Wearing Seevue’s Hat of perseverance

My name is Seevue. I was born in Namyarm, a small Hmong village, where my life took an unexpected turn at the age of three when an illness left me unable to walk. But through rehabilitation and sheer determination, I regained mobility.”

Growing up, I faced discrimination, stigma, and physical barriers that made accessibility a daily struggle. Yet, with the unwavering support of my family, I refused to let those obstacles define me.

Education became my way forward. With a scholarship for persons with disabilities, I earned a vocational diploma from Quest College. I started as a volunteer with the Lao Disabled People's Association before joining an international NGO to advocate for inclusion and disability rights. Alongside my work, I balanced the joys and challenges of motherhood, proving that women with disabilities can achieve, and inspire.

Today, I wear a hat of perseverance. As the first UNDP staff of Hmong ethnicity and a woman with a physical disability, I have broken barriers to become an advocate for a more inclusive Lao PDR. Through my work, I empower Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring their voices shape policies that impact their lives.

This International Women’s Day, I want every woman and girl—especially those with disabilities—to see challenges as opportunities, stay persistent, and never let others define your potential.

 

Wearing Thany’s Hat of creativity

My name is Thany. I am a jewelry designer. In 2018, I was in a difficult situation. I had to raise my child alone, and finding a job was not easy. I didn’t have the luxury of choosing work that I liked—I just needed something to survive. I ended up in a rubber-making job, even though it was exhausting and far from what I had dreamed of.”

No one knew my struggles at the time. I kept pushing forward, refusing to give up, even when the days felt impossible. I tried selling things to make extra income. Some days, I made sales. Other days, I didn’t. But I kept going, not just for myself, but for the people at the Xonphao center. Many of them were disabled, and I wanted to help them have food and a way to survive.

I never imagined that this work—this constant fight—would lead me to something bigger. Little by little, I discovered a new passion. I started designing and making jewelry, something I had never done before. Today, I am a trainer and a jewelry designer. I have built something for myself and my child. I no longer have to rely on anyone. 

This International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of creativity to tell every woman and every girl from all backgrounds: there is magic inside each one of us. We need to discover it and let it shine. 

 

Wearing Chat’s Hat of Fulfillment

My name is Chat, and my journey in the culinary world began in 2019 as an intern at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. From the very beginning, I was determined to give my best, proving my dedication through hard work and a strong work ethic.”

During my internship, I embraced every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. I paid close attention to every detail, refining my skills and gaining confidence in the fast-paced kitchen environment. My efforts did not go unnoticed, and by the end of my internship, I was offered a permanent position.

With passion and perseverance, I continued to develop my craft, taking every opportunity to improve and innovate in pastry and dessert creation. Step by step, I progressed in my career, and through years of dedication, I gradually rose to the position of Head of the Dessert Team.

Now, in 2025, I look back with pride at how far I have come. From an intern to leading a team, my journey has been one of growth, resilience, and passion for my work.

On International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of hope to inspire other women and girls to chase their dreams, with work and determination, nothing is impossible.

Wearing Papao’s Hat to Chase the Crown

My name is Papao. I am 30 years old. I am Miss Universe Laos 2023. I wear the hat of a dreamer, a fighter, and a woman who never gives up.”

From a young age, I dreamt of becoming Miss Universe Laos—a vision that lit up my heart even when reality tried to dim its glow.

Growing up, circumstances shattered that dream repeatedly, yet I never let go of it. I held that hope deep within me, nurturing it through every setback and challenge.

Then, the moment came—I decided to give up everything to pursue it. It wasn’t easy. It took me two tries, countless hours of hard work, and unwavering belief in myself. But in 2023, I was crowned as the 7th Miss Universe Laos, representing my country on the global stage at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador.

People will always have opinions about what you can or cannot do. But I have learned that the only thing that truly matters is what you believe in and what you do every single day to make your dreams come true.

On this International Women’s Day, I want every woman and girl to know: Don’t let others define your limits. Believe in yourself, work for your dreams, and prove to the world that you are capable of achieving anything.

On this International Women’s Day, I want every woman and girl to remember: Your dreams are yours to chase, your potential is yours to define. Have the courage to persist, the strength to rise after every setback, and the confidence to turn your ambitions into reality.
 

Wearing Khammy’s Hat to Cultivate a Future

My name is Khammy. I am 49 years old. I am a farmer, a trader, and a woman who has built her future with her own hands.”

For more than 25 years, I have worked the land, turning the soil not just for crops but for the future of my family. Farming has been my primary occupation, but I knew early on that I had to do more. In 1998, I began buying and selling fresh vegetables from my village, taking them to markets in town. It was a small step, but it provided extra income and gave me confidence in my ability to build something bigger.

As my business grew, so did my ambitions. I expanded my farming activities, invested in livestock, and learned how to manage my finances carefully. Every decision I made was a step toward securing a better future. Through perseverance and hard work, I was able to acquire land, build a home, and turn what once was a simple means of survival into a thriving livelihood.

Today, I stand proud—not just as a farmer, but as a businesswoman, a provider, and a testament to what determination can achieve.

On this International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of cultivator of dreams and want every woman to know that no dream is too small, no beginning too humble. With hard work and the right mindset, we can cultivate our own success, one step at a time.
 

Wearing Manivanh’s Hat of Wisdom and Patience

My name is Manivanh. I am 57 years old. I am a farmer, and a woman who has cultivated resilience from the land I work.”

For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around farming. From rice fields to cattle raising, I have dedicated myself to providing for my family. But there were times when no matter how hard I worked, it was difficult to make ends meet.

In 2013, I knew I had to make a change. I shifted my focus to growing rubber trees and banana plantations, hoping for a more stable future. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed committed, and as the years passed, our income steadily increased. We were able to expand our land, improve our living conditions, and finally see the rewards of our efforts.

By 2024, I took yet another step forward, integrating vegetable gardening into my farm. Now, I supply fresh vegetables to school lunch programs, helping children access nutritious meals while also strengthening my family's economic stability. Any surplus is sold at markets, ensuring we continue to grow and thrive.

My journey has been one of determination, adaptation, and persistence. I refused to let hardships define my future—instead, I embraced change and worked toward a better life.

On this International Women’s Day, I wear the hat of wisdom to remind every woman that Success comes from resilience. The road may not be easy, but with patience, innovation, and dedication, we can shine and spread light around us.