The Gender and Development Association (GDA) formerly the Gender and Development Group (GDG) and 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.

The new network required that an international organization provide 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 to 2007.

In 2012 GDG became the Gender and Development Association (GDA) as NPA in Laos PDR and operation permit issued on 12th January 2021, No 06/MoHA. Our current international umbrella partner role has been filled by Oxfam-Novib since 2008.

OUR VISION

A lead and facilitation body for pursuing gender equality base on non-violence and gender-based discrimination to all area of development work in Laos’s society In collaboration with development partners, GDA will provide professional support and information on gender, and enhance cooperation with development partners toward gender equality

ACTIVE IN SECTORS

Gender and disability Inclusion, Law and Education, WASH and Nutrition, Agriculture and NTFP, Disaster and Climate Change Adaptation, Migration and Social Protection, Social Media, Community Development and Human Rights

TARGET GROUPS

Women, Children, Youth, People Living with Disability, HIV/AIDs, LGBT, Ethnic groups, Rural women and men

MISSION

To provide professional support and information on gender development, and enhance cooperation with development partners toward gender equality.