A national consultation was jointly organized by the Lao Women’s Union, UNESCAP, and Oxfam to refine the draft monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the Lao Women’s Development Plan 2026–2030 and strengthen alignment between the Lao Women’s Development Plan and the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan. The meeting brought together representatives from the Lao Women’s Union Headquarters, the Ministry of Planning, and other relevant technical departments and committees. 

The consultation served as a critical platform to support the integration of care-related economic priorities into national development planning. The Lao Women’s Union has taken a leading role in elevating the care economy within policy discussions—recognizing its contribution to broader socioeconomic transformation. These efforts are also closely linked to the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Enhancing the Resilience of ASEAN Communities Beyond 2025, which the Lao Women’s Union has actively championed at the national level. 

With support from UNESCAP and Oxfam—who have provided technical and financial assistance since 2023—the consultation continued a series of policy dialogues focused on promoting the care economy. Participants worked to ensure the Women’s Development Plan includes clear indicators and integrated programming that reflect national priorities and the evolving care needs of Lao society.