Vientiane, March 8, 2024. The Cuban ambassador to Laos, Enna Viant, participated in the central event organized at the Training and Convention Center in the capital. The event had the motto “Invest in Women to accelerate progress”, and was attended by President Aly Vongnorbountham and Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, representative of the United Nations Population Fund.
Regarding the topic, both personalities reflected on its importance, agreeing that the recognition of the 114th International Women's Day has two objectives: to celebrate the resilience, leadership and invaluable contributions of women - in all their diversity and of all ethnic groups - to the development of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
The second is to recognize and affirm the commitment to defend the rights of women and girls in all areas of public life. In this sense, the theme “Investing in women, accelerating progress” emphasizes the fundamental role that women play in driving social advancement and aligns with the priority theme for the 68th session of the Commission on Legal Status and Social of Women.
Laos' commendable fifth position in the world in women's economic participation, according to the Global Gender Gap Index 2023, is a testament to the significant progress made in gender parity and women's empowerment over the past decade. This progress is largely due to strong laws and policy frameworks aimed at safeguarding and promoting the rights of women and girls. With 10 programs and 65 projects currently under the Lao Women's Union Development Plan, including the expansion of protection and counseling centers from one to six in recent years, it is evident that the Lao People's Democratic Republic is firm in its commitment to promoting gender equality.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also called for action during last year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, stating that “the time has come for us to invest more in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.” and in gender equality.
Senior Lao leaders at the State and government level, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations and NGOs based in the RDPL were present.
Embassy of Cuba