Starting Point
Lao Women’s Union (LWU) is an organisation equivalent to a ministry. Its organisational structure extends from the central to the grassroots level. The LWU is mandated to implement policies, constitutions, laws, regulations, the National Social Economic Development Plan, the National Women’s Development Plan, and international conventions related to the development and protection of the legitimate rights of women and children, women’s advancement, and gender equality in the family and society.
DETVONGSONE is the Deputy-Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet at the Lao Women’s Union (LWU). She directly supervises the Division of International Relations and is one of the central committees/teams that oversees UXO-related work on behalf of the LWU at the central level. With over 15 years of service at the LWU, her extensive experience spans various fields, including UXO mitigation. She is pivotal in addressing UXO impacts on communities, focusing on women and children. DETVONGSONE leads initiatives in UXO awareness, survivor support, and demining coordination while partnering with local and international stakeholders. Her expertise in post-conflict recovery integrates UXO education with women’s empowerment, advocating for gender-sensitive approaches in UXO operations.
The Deputy-Permanent Secretary said, “I envision a safer, more equitable future for communities in Lao PDR, especially the provinces most directly impacted by UXO free from the threats of UXO”. As a central committee/team member and a leader under the Lao Women’s Union, she is committed to fostering resilience and empowering women and children in UXO-affected areas. Her vision includes integrating gender-sensitive approaches into UXO operations, advancing policies prioritising survivor rehabilitation, and strengthening community-based risk education. Besides, by collaborating with national and international partners, she aims to enhance demining efforts, promote sustainable development, and ensure lasting safety and prosperity for all.
Peace Journey
Women’s participation in addressing UXO in Lao PDR is essential for creating safer communities and advancing gender equality. As one of the most heavily bombed countries per capita due to the remnants of the Vietnam War, Lao PDR continues to face significant challenges from UXOs, which pose ongoing threats to lives and hinder development. Women are crucial in UXO-related efforts, including clearance operations, risk education, and survivor support.
In demining teams, women challenge traditional gender roles by undertaking high-risk and technical tasks, such as UXO detection and disposal. Their involvement introduces diverse perspectives to planning and implementation processes, resulting in more inclusive and effective outcomes. Moreover, women lead risk education initiatives, teaching families—particularly children—about the dangers of UXOs and promoting safe practices. They also assist communities in reporting UXO sightings and advocate for implementing safety measures.
Beyond prevention, women support UXO survivors by facilitating access to medical care, rehabilitation services, and livelihood programs for reintegration. These contributions enhance the efficiency and impact of UXO mitigation programs and empower women as leaders and agents of change. By actively participating in these efforts, Lao PDR's women drive progress toward a safer and more equitable future.
DETVONGSONE has played a pivotal role in shaping policy, strengthening the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) in UXO mitigation, and collaborating with organisations such as MAG Lao, UNDP, and UXO Lao. Through these efforts, DETVONGSONE has enhanced safety and promoted sustainable development in the region.
Success Stories
DETVONGSONE highlighted that Women’s involvement in addressing UXO faces numerous cultural, institutional and operational challenges. Traditional gender norms often limit women’s roles to domestic and caregiving duties, creating resistance to their participation in high-risk tasks like UXO clearance. Leadership barriers and scepticism regarding their capabilities further hinder their involvement. Women also face unequal access to technical training and resources, with male counterparts often prioritised for advanced roles and equipment.
Moreover, safety and health concerns present additional obstacles, as protective gear and workplace policies frequently fail to consider women’s specific needs, including maternity and reproductive health. Institutional challenges such as underrepresentation in leadership roles and complex stakeholder coordination further restrict their influence. Balancing domestic responsibilities with professional duties adds emotional and physical strain, particularly for women in rural areas. Besides, insufficient funding and a lack of gender-sensitive policies exacerbate these barriers.
DETVONGSONE has made significant strides in UXO mitigation and has become a trailblazer in ordnance detection and disposal. Her achievements challenge societal norms, inspire other women, and enhance operational efficiency. Through risk education campaigns, DETVONGSONE has educated rural families about UXO dangers, using tailored approaches to reduce accidents and improve reporting rates. She has also spearheaded support programs for UXO survivors, particularly women and children, helping them regain independence through vocational training and livelihood projects. As a strong advocate, DETVONGSONE has influenced local and national policies to promote gender-sensitive approaches in UXO mitigation. She also collaborates with organisations like MAG Lao and UXO Lao-it, which has brought resources, expertise and visibility to her initiatives.
She extra mentioned that her work underscores the importance of community engagement, persistence in overcoming cultural barriers, and the value of institutional support for balancing professional and personal roles. By fostering partnerships and prioritising continuous training, she exemplifies women's transformative impact in UXO mitigation, driving progress toward safer, more equitable communities in Lao PDR.