Following the Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) protection before, during, and after disasters research conducted in Lao PDR by Lao Red Cross (LRC) and IFRC in 2017, one recommendation was to organize awareness raising activities to prevent and eliminate violence against women, boys and girls in the communities where the research was conducted. LRC Department of Advancement of Women, Mother and Child worked together with LRC Youth and Volunteer to organize a series of training and workshop to conduct a youth-led awareness activity in Baeng district, Oudomxay Province during 23-30 July.

The purpose of the activities include: 1) to disseminate the SGBV research results and strengthen the gender network in Oudomxay; 2) to train the Youth on Youth Empowerment in Community (YEC) with focus on GBV prevention; and 3) to raise awareness on GBV prevention.

Through the activities, government staffs from several departments in Baeng district have learned about the ASEAN SGBV research results as well as gender work at national and international level. They also know better LRC gender work. In addition, a total of 600 people from two villages learned about SGBV research results and watched the show performed by Youth. They have better understanding on SGBV and its impact (direct and indirect). Heads of the villages are aware of the importance of this issue and agree that we should disseminate further the research results to promote the behavioral change, to prevent or eliminate the violent habits and to create safe environment for all.

IFRC Protection, Gender and Inclusion officer and SGBV advisor also attended the training to give technical advice together with an expert from Laos’ National Commission for the Advancement of Women (NCAW). The team came up with a play called “Mirror” which talks about domestic violence. Selected and trained Youth volunteer from Oudomxay province conducted the play in 2 villages in Baeng district, where the data collection on SGBV took place. LRC G&D focal point and Lao NCAW advisor supervised the activity and made sure that the right message was sent to the community. In total, 600 people attended the event (F 205, M 288, children 107). However, due to time constraint, the the enhancement of the referral system did not take place at this time.

For more information about the activities, see report here. Report in Lao language is also available here.