EVAW day, Under the theme: “16 Days, Together! Invest in Preventing and Addressing Violence against Women and Girls!” Held at Ban Paksab Mai, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital

On 8 December 2023, the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE), in collaboration with the Xaythany District Justice Office, organized an event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The event was held under the theme “16 Days – Unite! Invest to Prevent and End Violence against Women and Girls!” in Pakxab Mai Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital. It was co-chaired by Mrs. Khamphai Xayavong, Head of the Xaythany District Justice Office and Mrs. Inthana Bouphasavanh, Director of the Association. Also present as co-chairs were representatives from the event’s donors: The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Lao PDR. The event was attended by 516 participants including 372 women comprising government representatives from various offices in Xaythany District (Vientiane Capital), local authorities and residents from 35 target villages within the district, faculty and students from the Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Laos, and staff from the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education. The morning session featured an aerobics exercise session, followed by opening remarks, a reading of a message from the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, and an overview of the history of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. Additionally, students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the National University of Laos performed a play illustrating the social consequences of violence. Following the ceremony, all participants joined in signing their names and drawing handprints as a symbol of opposition to violence against women and children.