Final Module and Graduation Ceremony of the first Gender Mainstreaming into Trade and Business Program in Lao PDR

The National Implementation Unit (NIU) under the Permanent Secretary Office (PSO) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) is proud to announce the successful completion of the year-long capacity building program titled “Gender Mainstreaming into Trade and Business in Lao PDR.” This innovative program, part of the Lao Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCTP), will culminate in the graduation of 28 gender focal points, now officially recognized as Champions of gender mainstreaming in trade and business.

The final module of this transformative training, Module 4, took place on February 7 and 8, 2024 and it is a blend of practical learning and real-world application that focus on integrating gender perspectives into day-to-day professional activities. Key areas include Gender-sensitive Budgeting, Code of Conduct and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), and Gender Responsive Communications. The module featured interactive discussions, led by specialists from different teams of the LCTP, sharing their unique experiences and insights.

A special highlight of the module was a presentation session by the trainees, showcasing the outcomes of their team projects. These projects, ranging across various topics, were designed to apply theoretical knowledge of gender mainstreaming in practical settings, thereby enhancing strategic development skills vital for professionals in this field.

An esteemed panel of international and national experts evaluated and provided feedback on these presentations. This session underscores the program’s commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice in the realm of gender mainstreaming.

Looking ahead, the gender mainstreaming journey does not end here. The graduates, to be formed as an alumni group, will continue to engage in advocacy and awareness initiatives to foster inclusivity in trade and business. The MOIC and NIU are committed to sustaining this momentum through upcoming webinars and deep-dive sessions. These initiatives aim to delve into topics pertinent to women and other marginalized groups in business and trade. Furthermore, in partnership with other gender equality supporting agencies, this community will organize events commemorating important occasions like International and Lao Women’s Day.

This program is not just a training; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future in trade and business. We are excited to witness the ripple effects of this initiative across Lao PDR trade and business and beyond.

For more information, please contact:
Mr.Sommith Manylert, Gender and Communication Consultant. Email: Sommith.m@laosaft.org Tel: +85621 413916