The Lao Women’s Union (LWU) was established on July 20th 1955 to promote the role of women under the National Constitution. 

The aim of the LWU is to protect the rights and interests of Lao women and children. The union also promotes the implementation of policy geared toward gender equality and the advancement of women in national socio-economic development. 

The other official functions and mandates of the LWU are to: 

Mobilize and unite Lao women to become actively involved in the national protection and development process. 

Educate women of all ethnic groups and social strata to have a proper understanding of the government’s policies, constitution, laws and various international instruments concerning the legitimate rights and interests of women adhered to by the Lao PDR. 

Make considerable contributions toward the protection and the support of the rich customs, fine traditions of the people and of the Lao women of all ethnic groups in particular. 

In 1962, LWU became a member of the International Democracy Women’s Union, whose members attended the first Vietnamese Women’s Union meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

With a membership of over 600,000, LWU is a popular and important organisation involving women at levels of society throughout Lao.