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IRI first began working on village governance in Laos in 2003.  Now, as Laos pursues greater integration in Southeast Asia and benefits from improved social conditions, IRI draws upon its strong track record throughout the world for its robust women’s programs to encourage rural women’s participation in Laos.  Additionally, IRI conducts innovative programming dedicated to strengthening civil society. 

Download Summary (PDF)
IRI first began working on village governance in Laos in 2003.  Now, as Laos pursues greater integration in Southeast Asia and benefits from improved social conditions, IRI draws upon its strong track record throughout the world for its robust women’s programs to encourage rural women’s participation in Laos.  Additionally, IRI conducts innovative programming dedicated to strengthening civil society. 

Rural Women’s Political Participation

The government of Laos has demonstrated support to expand the protection of women’s rights and interests, for instance, with efforts to comply with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.  To address the low rate of women’s political participation at the provincial, district and village levels and elevate women’s public decision-making power, IRI partners with Lao organizations to develop provincial-level trainers on promoting rural women’s political participation.  IRI also exposed key Lao women’s activists to a regional example of the multiple roles and scope of women’s advancement through a study mission to Mongolia.

Civil Society Development

Civil society in Laos is in an embryonic phase.  In April 2009, the Prime Minister of Laos signed a Decree of Associations, which for the first time codified the registration process for civil society organizations.  With domestic organizations beginning to navigate the registration process, IRI is partnering with local organizations to conduct trainings on the basic skills necessary to function as sustainable organizations.