What should we do today to ensure gender equality in the future?

The government is working to promote gender equality by encouraging women to participate in all areas of life, promoting women’s rights and speaking out against violence towards women and girls. However, women in rural areas continue to experience abuse in many forms. To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Vientiane Times asked women how they felt their role could be strengthened.
 
Ms Chansamai Vongmanichan, a resident of Sisattanak district, Vientiane: The role of women is being promoted in countries the world over. It is important that the role of women is enhanced by teaching people about gender equality, both in urban and rural areas. After gaining understanding of this important aspect of life, people should be closely monitored by the authorities and conferences held to discuss solutions, which should then be put into practice. Women should be encouraged to speak out, share their ideas, and contribute to politics in the same way as men. But some women lack confidence because they have been brought up to believe that men are more powerful.
 

Ms Choun Sengkhamphai, a resident of Saravan province: Most women in remote areas still have little education and hold on to their traditional beliefs. In addition, women work hard to earn a living, while women from some ethnic groups still face violence and violation of their rights by men. I think women need to be better educated and given more freedom. It would be good if they had access to more information, especially about the laws and regulations that protect women’s rights. The authorities concerned should explain the laws and regulations that protect women, including their rights. All women need to be educated to a higher level and have a lot more independence, including in financial matters. And women must be more closely involved in the nation’s administration.
 
Ms Koung, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think we should improve the skills of women by creating projects that support gender equality and carrying out field studies in various areas to help women in the right way. We should create opportunities for all women to have access to education and a job, and we should set up financial assistance programmes for poor women. I was lucky enough to have these kinds of opportunities. I was able to get an education and find a job to provide for myself.

Ms Kaoyang Keopaserd, a student at the National University of Laos: I think we should make sure that women have the same opportunities as men when it comes to education, so that women can broaden their knowledge and further their education so they can compete more strongly in the job market and the workplace. Unfortunately, many women still have the mindset that channels them into thinking they will continue to stay with their parents, get married and have children instead of wanting to further their education, because they have been taught this by their parents. But without an education and lacking information, they are limited and are unlikely to think differently. I encourage every family and organisation to do more to support women.
 
Ms Lathdavane, an employee in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: Although the government has passed a law on gender equality, women are still treated unfairly. For example, after marriage women seem to work harder than men in terms of housework, raising children and so on. This means they don’t have any time to themselves, can’t go out with their friends and can’t do what they like most. In my opinion, men should provide more help with family work and realise that women also need time to do other things and not just stay at home and do the housework.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update March 8, 2022)