Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) held

The meeting of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA), as part of the 45th AIPA General Assembly, took place on October 19 in Vientiane. The meeting was attended by Mr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos and President of AIPA, Ar. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of AIPA, AIPA Delegates, and other relevant officials. Ms. Thoummaly Vongphachanh, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus of the National Assembly of Lao PDR, delivered the opening remarks. Ms. Thoummaly highlighted the importance of gender equality in political participation, as outlined in international agreements, including the Beijing Declaration. She acknowledged the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles at all levels but emphasized that women's leadership is essential for fostering inclusive governance, driving sustainable economic growth, and enhancing social development. 'Empowering women in leadership positions drives inc lusive governance, stimulates economic growth, and fosters social progress,' she said. 'To seize these opportunities, we must advocate for legislative and constitutional reforms that ensure equitable access for women in political spheres.' The meeting agenda included the discussion of two draft resolutions, as decided by the AIPA Executive Committee. The first resolution, Draft Resolution on Fostering Gender-Responsive Parliaments for a Resilient, Connected, and Inclusive ASEAN Community, and the second resolution, Draft Resolution on Promoting the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls in the ASEAN Region, were both discussed and approved by the participants. Under the 'Other Matters' agenda, Ms. Thoummaly highlighted the successful convening of the WAIPA Women Political Leaders Forum, which took place on the sidelines of the 45th AIPA General Assembly. The forum, held under the theme Enhancing Women's Political Participation and Leadership: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for an Inclu sive Future for All, demonstrated the collective commitment of AIPA Members and Observers to advancing women's political leadership. The meeting concluded with the approval of the draft resolutions. Ms. Thoummaly informed participants that the Rapporteur and the AIPA Secretariat would prepare a report with the approved resolutions, which she, as Chairperson, would present at the Second Plenary of the 45th AIPA General Assembly for adoption. Source: Lao News Agency