81321659_1-Strengthening BDS Providers and Value Chains for Women"s Economic Empowerment

The project, funded by BMZ and implemented with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), aims to strengthen the economic participation of women in selected provinces of Laos between 2025 and 2028. EMPOWER focuses on women entrepreneurs in rural provinces, particularly Luang Namtha and Salavan. Building on local potential in crafts, agriculture, and food processing, the project works with BDS providers, associations, NGOs, and public institutions to improve the legal environment and reform processes, gender-responsive and -transformative support services, strengthen local value chains, and enhance women's visibility in the economy. Special attention is given to women from ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, and those facing multiple forms of discrimination, while engaging men as change agents to support sustainable transformation.