Gender inequality is still a big issue in Laos. Many women and girls face challenges in education, work, and leadership. Fewer girls complete their education, and women often earn less money than men and are more likely to work in low-paid or informal jobs. While women make up nearly one-third of parliament, only about 22% of seats are held by women as of early 2024. Women also spend much more time on unpaid housework, 13.6% of their day versus 9.2% for men. Early marriage and teen pregnancies are common; about one-third of women aged 20–24 were married before 18. Although there are laws for gender equality, they are not strongly enforced, especially in rural areas. To help improve this, projects like CEGGA II support women by building their confidence and creating space for them to share ideas. Events like the “Swap & Share Summit” bring women from diverse fields together to support one another and discuss these issues. Leaders and experts say that women must support each other and believe in themselves to take on leadership roles and make their voices heard in Laos’ development and future
Pray for the effective implementation of gender equality laws in both rural and urban areas of Laos. Pray for more women’s participation in the Lao political system (The Holy Bible, Psalm 3:3).
Pray for free and unhindered access to education for all girls in Laos, both in rural and urban areas. Pray for greater gender equality in education, the workforce, and leadership roles nationwide (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 60:1).
News Source: UN Women, UNICEF, The Star
Image Source: Canva
