25 November, Vientiane Lao PDR— To commemorate the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, the Lao Government, in collaboration with the United Nations and partners, held an event today to light up the Patuxay Monument in orange, marking the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The two-week-long campaign, involving 40 partners, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union (EU) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aimed to raise awareness and foster actions to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. In Laos, about 1 in 3 women have experienced sexual, physical or emotional violence, and yet of these women, only 1 in 10 sought help from authorities such as the police, medical centres or Lao Women Union and relevant sectors.  These numbers underscore the urgent need for enhanced coordination and efforts to effectively prevent violence, provide accessible support services, and ensure that survivors are met with compassion, dignity and action.

The Orange Patuxay event, held under the theme 'Toward 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,' brought together a diverse group of local and international attendees. Participants wore orange in solidarity, creating a powerful collective statement to advance the advocacy efforts, which will continue until December 10 (Human Rights Day). The event saw active engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, United Nations agencies, embassies and development partners, civil society organizations, disability advocates, and both public and private sector representatives. Their unified presence highlighted the commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls in Lao PDR, amplifying the 'Say No' message through their participation in various activities.

During the ceremony, a video message from the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone was broadcast for the audience, reaffirming the commitment of the Lao Government to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence regardless of sexes and genders.

In his message, he states:

Every year, during the 16 Days of Activism, we unite to reaffirm our ownership, leadership, cooperation, and engagement in ending violence against women and girls. Our government stands firm in its commitment to implementing laws and policies that promote gender equality and protect women's rights. We are dedicated to strengthening mechanisms to prevent and address violence, transforming harmful attitudes, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable under the law. By allocating resources and investing in initiatives that support gender equality, we are paving the way for a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mme Aly Vongnorbountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) and Vice Standing President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, said:

Orange radiates positivity and hope, symbolizing a brighter future free from violence against women and girls. Together, we can take a stand—support survivors, empower them with vital information to access justice, and amplify our voices to challenge harmful societal norms. Join the campaign to advocate for stricter laws, stronger enforcement, and greater resources to end violence against women and girls. Let’s unite for a world where every woman and girl can live in safety and dignity.

Mr. Kambiz Kabiri, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge said:

In the past decade, Lao PDR has undergone a remarkable transformation in cultural norms. Through the combined efforts of public awareness campaigns, strong government leadership, and substantial investments in Prevention of Violence Against Women (VAW), coordinated by relevant ministries and development partners, tolerance for domestic violence has significantly diminished. However, the work is far from complete. UNFPA remains resolute in advocating for bold action to raise awareness, drive advocacy, and promote innovative solutions to eradicate the violence against women and girls.

H.E. Mr. Jung Yung SOO, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea:

The Republic of Korea sees the Violence Against Women and Children as a significant matter for eradication and elimination. They put their effort to tackle the problem by supporting Khanhom Project and establishment of the GEVAW Center is a significant milestone to respond and eradicate violence against women in Lao PDR.  The Republic of Korea and KOICA will continue to support and stand by Lao PDR to fight against GBV and enhance gender equality based on outcomes of the KhanHom Project.

Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, The UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR:

The United Nations pledges to continue its strong partnership with Laos and all stakeholders to build a future where women and girls can live without the fear of violence. The Pact for the Future, recently adopted by world leaders including Lao PDR, reaffirms the critical importance of eradicating all forms of discrimination and violence, to not only protect their fundamental rights, but also to build resilient, equitable communities where all can thrive.

H.E Mark Gallagher, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Laos

Gender equality is more than a goal; it is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility, central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Today is both a celebration of progress and a call to action. We must redouble efforts to eliminate GBV, expand reproductive health programs, and enhance education and economic opportunities for women and girls to ensure they can live lives of their choosing.

H.E. Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy to Lao PDR:

The Australian Government is committed to advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence in all its forms. To achieve gender equality, men's violence against women must end, so women can be and feel safe – at home, at school, at work, in their communities and online. Australia is committed to implementing effective interventions to help stop violence against women. Australia’s International Development Policy highlights the need to address, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, to make our region peaceful, stable, and prosperous. We are proud to work alongside the Lao government and our partners to combat gender-based violence and champion the rights and dignity of all women and girls.

The illumination of Patuxay Monument into orange marks the first official government event in a dynamic, action-packed calendar for the 16 Days of Activism, spanning from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November to Human Rights Day on 10 December. The campaign will feature a series of impactful activities, including seminars, media campaigns, and public discussions on critical topics such as the importance of mental health for survivors of gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and the rights of people with disabilities.

Following Patuxay illumination in orange, a diverse and inclusive fashion show themed "The Empowerment Runway" took place at ASEAN Park, spotlighting various forms of violence while advocating for inclusivity and respect for the rights of all women, including those with disabilities, women from rural and ethnic communities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The 16 Days of Activism serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving tangible action to eliminate violence against women and girls. It calls for solidarity and collective actions, through united efforts to build a future of safety, equality, and dignity for all women and girls in Lao PDR.