Vientiane:Laos has inaugurated a Women's Leadership Training Programme with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The workshop, conducted from October 28 to 30 under the Asian Women's Leadership Program, was officially opened by Phanchinda Lengsavad, Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (NCAWMC), and Amr Qari, ADB's Head of Country Operations in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Participants in the workshop came from both the public and private sectors.

According to Lao News Agency, Phanchinda emphasized the significance of promoting women into leadership and decision-making roles, noting its importance for achieving gender equality, enhancing governance, and supporting national development. She highlighted the contributions women make across various sectors such as production, business, public services, education, healthcare, and community development. Phanchinda added that providing women with more opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills could lead to economic growth, job creation, and a reduction in social inequality.

Amr Qari underscored the necessity of strong women leaders for sustainable development. He reiterated ADB's commitment to assisting women in building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, and expanding professional networks, enabling them to participate more actively in decision-making processes and drive change.

Throughout the workshop, participants will engage with experts and experienced leaders, participating in practical exercises aimed at enhancing communication, public speaking, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. Activities will include speaking on camera and role-playing scenarios based on case studies, which are designed to help participants navigate challenging situations and achieve mutually beneficial agreements.