The Lao Women’s Union (LWU) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) in Lao PDR have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the project “Strengthening the Lao Women’s Union in Amplifying the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security,” funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of the AMPLIFY regional program.
Launched on January 13, 2026, in Vientiane Capital, the project aims to equip the LWU to implement the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security and promote local women’s leadership in preventing and resolving conflicts. The project will be implemented in 80 villages across eight districts in Bokeo and Savannakhet provinces, serving as model areas, and will contribute directly to the Lao Women’s Development Plan 2026–2030 by strengthening multisectoral engagement in community security and conflict resolution.
The initiative will also foster regional and ASEAN-level consultation and exchange to review progress, support coherent policy development, and enhance the capacity of government and civil society organizations in peacebuilding and community-based conflict resolution through women’s participation. Additionally, it will strengthen collaboration with village-level conflict resolution committees, village security units, village disaster management committees, and relevant authorities at higher levels.
The project launch event was chaired by LWU Vice President Phanchinda Lengsavad, TAF President and CEO Laurel Miller, and Philippine Ambassador Elizabeth T. Te, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provincial and district Women’s Union officials, and other stakeholders. The agreement was signed by LWU Deputy Permanent Secretary Viengmaly Dalakone and TAF Country Representative Khaliungoo Ganbat.
AMPLIFY is a five-year Women, Peace and Security initiative that addresses the differential impacts of armed conflicts and human security threats on women in Southeast Asia, advancing their meaningful participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It is implemented by The Asia Foundation in partnership with the Lao Women’s Union and local civil society organizations.
