Members of BBG visiting  the LDWDC handicrafts centre.

British Business Group supports disabled women in Laos

Members of the British Business Group visited the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre (LDWDC) to learn first-hand about the organisation’s significant contributions to the lives of women with disabilities nationwide.
The British Business Group, which is the local chamber of commerce for UK-focused businesses, trading partners and friends under the patronage of the British Embassy, has been a long-term supporter of LDWDC.
The visit was organised to help raise awareness among members of the British Business Group about LDWDC and to explore future opportunities for collaboration.
LDWDC was established at its current location near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane by Madam Chanpheng Sivila in 2002. It currently supports about 35 women every year with access to remedial medical treatment, physical therapy, prosthetics, health education, life skills, and vocational training in IT, dress-making, weaving and pottery.
Over the years, LDWDC has assisted more than 1,500 women with disabilities. After the women complete a structured programme of training and support, LDWDC helps them secure employment with local companies or establish their own business.
 Follow-up surveys have confirmed that two-thirds of LDWDC graduates have gained more autonomy and are able to earn a living on returning home.
Visitors from the British Business Group were welcomed by Madam Chanpheng and her staff, who explained the history, purpose and focus of the centre.
“We want to promote inclusion and show everyone that women with disabilities can contribute to their family and society,” she explained, before leading a tour of the facilities so that the British Business Group members could see the breadth of activities on offer.
The centre offers taster-sessions on a range of handicraft activities, including weaving, pottery, paper making and upcycling. This is an educational to spend a few hours or a full day.

A disabled girl from LDWDC shows how paper handicrafts are made to visitors from BBG.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update July 28, 2022)