4th December
Over 300 students participated in activities co-organised by ADWLE and the Sub-Commission for the Advancement of Women (Sub-CAW) to celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Four Secondary Schools based in Vientiane Capital took part in the celebrations: Ho Chi Minh, Thadkhao, Phiawat and Chanthabury.
Each School performed a theatre piece which tackled different situations of gender-based violence, including rape, human trafficking and domestic violence.
At the end of their performance, one student from that school sung a song.
Students were also invited up onto the stage to participate in gender-based violence themed games, including a Q&A where they were asked questions about different aspects of gender-based violence.
“We are thrilled with the number of students who took part in today’s events,” said Phayao Phimmasone, Gender Manager for ADWLE.
“The room was filled with so much excitement and enthusiasm to get involved in the activities,” he said.
Two speeches were given by Mr. Somphou Kepanya, the Director of Vientiane Capital Educational and Sport Department, and Mrs. Souphone Volavong, Head of Sub-CAW, who talked about the background and purpose of ending violence against women day.
ADWLE aims to raise awareness among the Lao youth about gender norms and gender-based violence in order to promote gender equality.
“We hope that the future generations of Laos will have a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and become active in the fight against it,” said Inthana Bouphasavanh, Director of ADWLE.
This is the fifth consecutive year that ADWLE has been involved in coordinating activities to mark the day.
Each year a different Province is selected: Champasak Province (2014), Vientiane Capital (2013), Khammouane Province (2012) and Savannakhet Province (2011).
