GDG  Gender and Development Group

Improving gender equality in Lao PDR
Text Box: Vision of GDG GDG wants to contribute to a society where women are empowered and they can live without violence and discrimination. GDG wants to achieve that women work together with men to reduce poverty and achieve development. Text Box: Target Groups The main target groups of GDG are INGOs and NGOs staff. Each partner selects one of its Lao staff to participate in GDG meetings and activities. Participation is not limited to women. GDG encourages both women and men to participate and exchange lessons. Text Box: Background The Gender and Development Group (GDG), formerly the Women in Development (WID) network, was formed in 1991. A collaboration of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), UNICEF, with International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), the WID network focused on women and gender development issues in Lao PDR. In 1996 the name of WID changed to the “Gender and Development Group (GDG)” in order to more accurately reflect the goals of the network. This includes focusing on both women and men in the area of development. Text Box: Gender and Development Group (GDG) - Ban Haisok No. 071/01 P.O. Box 10820 Vientiane, Lao PDR — p (856 21) 263-349 — f (856 21) 263-349 gdglaos@laopdr.com Text Box: Goal of GDG The goal of GDG is to improve gender equity and women’s empowerment as well as to reduce violence against women in Lao PDR. GDG is working to increase the effectiveness of GDG’s members in promoting the equality and empowerment of men and women and fighting gender based discrimination. To achieve its mission, GDG will work together with its members and other actors in Lao PDR and the Greater Mekong Sub region. Text Box: The new network required that an international organization provided GDG with an umbrella partnership to guide its development. This role has been undertaken by: World Education – from 1996 to 2000 -; CUSO Lao PDR –from 2000 to 2005 – and Concern Worldwide – from 2000 until now. Text Box: GDG HOME Text Box: ABOUT GDG Text Box: WHAT GDG DOES Text Box: WHAT YOU CAN DO Text Box: Contact GDG GDG Gender and Development Group Ban Haisok No. 071/01 P.O. Box 10820 Vientiane, Lao PDR Phone: (856 21) 263-349 Fax: (856 21) 263-349 e-mail: gdglaos@laopdr.com