What challenges do girls in Laos face today?

The government has introduced several measures aimed at improving girls’ prospects, especially in terms of education and job opportunities. Unfortunately, the rights of girls and women are often not respected. Vientiane Times asked for opinions on what more should be done to help young women fulfil their potential.

Ms Keota Thammavongsa, a government official in Xekong province: I think many girls blindly ape the culture of other countries, and don’t have sufficient regard for their own rich culture and heritage, which is represented through traditional dress styles and choice of language. I know Laos is opening up to other nations but it would be good if we could consider which are the best takeaways from other countries and whether they mesh with Lao culture. We should only adopt the good and ignore customs that negatively affect us. Everyone should make a determined effort to preserve our cultural traditions and encourage girls to respect these age-old practices. At the same time, they should also be taught to stand up for their rights.
 
Mr Khamphet Phanthanaid, a government official in Phongsaly province: I think girls are being encouraged to lead more independent lives and are actively working to get ahead in life, which will support nation-building. These days they have better educational opportunities which can open up more career avenues. Young women are trying to improve their skill sets and are able to take advantage of scholarships on offer, both in Laos and in other countries. However, school dropout rates are high and this problem needs to be addressed.
 
Ms Bang Phommalay, a student in Xieng Khuang province: Girls in rural areas of Laos need to be pushed so that they fare better. Very often their parents cannot afford to send them to school. In addition, they often face violence at the hands of their parents and later by their husbands. I don’t think women have the respect they deserve, and attitudes must change in this regard. I urge the relevant sectors of government to initiate campaigns to bolster support for young women and condemn violence against women and girls. More emphasis should be placed on education for girls as I think this is the key to independence in life. We should all work towards this goal.

Mr Phompaserth, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: In the past girls were often not encouraged to get a decent education because traditional customs held that girls should stay at home and care for their parents, and later their husbands and children. I would like to thank the government and international organisations for their efforts to empower young women and give them the chance to gain equality with men. Today, girls have more choice with regard to career options, but often don’t enjoy the same rights as men. They are also the victims of human trafficking. Vulnerable girls can fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals and be trampled upon. They should be made aware of dangerous situations and discouraged from taking risks.
 
Ms Soudchai, a student in Vientiane province: I think girls have far more support than in the past, but there is clearly still a long way to go. Many people remain biased and most employers prefer to hire men rather than women. I encourage everyone to give girls more support, such as by offering training courses to help them secure jobs. Specialised training would give them the chance to boost their incomes. I also think there should be special health schemes catering to women, which would help not only them but their families as well.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 30, 2022)