ASEAN countries talk gender equality, empowerment in mine action

 Representatives of the 10 ASEAN member countries discussed gender equality and empowerment in ASEAN mine/explosive remnants of war (ERW) action at a regional workshop in Vientiane, Laos, on October 21 – 22.

The event was held by the Lao Government in coordination with the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.

The participants analysed their work in mine/ERW action through a gender and diversity lens, assessing how mine/ERW action projects and programmes are implemented to ensure that the priorities and capabilities of women, girls, boys, men and diverse groups are highlighted, and their needs are met.

The Mission of Canada to ASEAN emphasised the country’s commitment to developing and implementing gender-responsive approach towards mine action, as it is aligned with Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the period 2017-2022.

In addition to building the member nations’ capacity on gender mainstreaming in mine/ERW action, the workshop also provided a platform for them to share experiences, best practices and lessons learnt on integrating gender into their work.

Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.

VNA