The Gender and Development Group (GDG), formerly 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 provided 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 until now.
GDG wants to contribute to a society where women are empowered and can live in society without violence and discrimination. Therefore, GDG wants to achieve that women can work along with men to reduce poverty and benefit from opportunities for development.
GDG will work for more joint action, information, knowledge and expertise on gender mainstreaming and gender based discrimination.
The main target groups of GDG are INGOs and NGOs staff. Each partner selects one of its Lao staffs to participate in GDG meetings and activities. Participation is not limited to women. GDG encourages both women and men to participate and exchange lessons.
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