Lao women play a greater role in business management
Lao women play a greater role in business management
Laos is one of the countries in Southeast Asia, which have a high proportion of women in top level management in businesses.
According to a report from the Asian Development Bank, released earlier this week, six countries in Southeast Asia, namely Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have higher than average female representation in the top level management.
All six countries were above the study mean of 15 percent, with Vietnam the highest at 30 percent.
The Asian Development Outlook 2015 entitled “Enabling Women, Energizing Asia” aims to provide the latest update on the economic growth of the countries in the region as well as report on progress in gender equality in particular the role and duties of the women in management.
“Asian women are still disadvantaged in terms of education and workforce participation. Bringing more women into paid work can be a catalyst for broader social change,” ADB President, Ms Takeheko Nakao said as quoted in the report.
“Equality between men and women is a goal in its own right, but women are not the only ones who will benefit. Economies in developing Asia will enjoy greater prosperity if they resolve to use all of their human resources to the fullest.”
A Lao business woman, Ms Valy Vetsaphong said yesterday that Lao women play a g reater role in business management thanks to the government policy to promote gender equality, adding that changes in social values also create opportunities for women to take part in business management.
“In some associations and organisation there are fixed seats for w omen,” she said. However, it does not mean that unqualified women will take the management positions. The women who will manage the organisation must meet the standard.”
Ms Valy who is also President of the Lao Young Entrepreneurs Association said that the association was active to promote women in business management, adding that some women have higher knowledge and qualifications than men.
“What I have learnt is that women are behind the success of men,” she said, adding that there are more women who own businesses in the country.
Ms Valy admitted that despite many women being promoted into top business management, there is still a stigma against the women. She added that many Lao people still believe that women should work as housewives and take care of children.
She said that there was a need for the sector concerned to promote gender equality so that women can take part in national socio-economic development.
