Brief Description

This Joint Programme aims to draw attention to the critical linkage between gender-based violence and the achievement of the national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals and will support national authorities to plan cross-sectoral initiatives to address and reduce such violence.

To this end, Joint Programme will pursue initiatives that accelerate structural transformations for the elimination of gender-based violence against women and remove the institutional, societal, political and legal barriers hindering its achievement. More specifically, Joint Programme will support Lao Women’s Union in building its institutional capacities to develop, adopt and implement the next phase of the 5-year national strategic plan and its implementation guideline. Capacity development programmes and training will be developed and provided for the LWU as well as other line ministries and authorities. Programme will also support LWU’s efforts in the establishment of a platform for policy dialogue ensuring women’s participation in decision-making and implement initiatives to develop women’s capacities to participate and lead.

Joint Programme will focus on the following three components that are interrelated and designed to create a virtuous loop and synergies:

• Support the development of the next phase 5-year National Strategic Plan on EVAW (2021–2025)
• Support the development of Implementation guideline and M&E Plan of the 5-year National Strategic Plan on EVAW (2021–2025)
• Establishment of a platform for policy dialogue on Gender & VAW to strengthen governance framework and to promote women’s participation

Programme will partner with different institutions, stakeholders and projects to maximize impact and to ensure its sustainability to successfully achieve the project goals. All partners will be invited to an annual project review meeting for active knowledge sharing and seek better coordination and cooperation. The partners will also be invited to the policy discussions and consultations planned under the project to share knowledge and experiences and discuss ways to create synergies.