Attaining Social Security, Labor Rights and Empowerment Through Grassroots Cooperation

by Khantone Phamuang, CDEA Coordinator, Lao PDR

Khantone Phamuang of Laos P.D.R

In 2004, the government of Lao PDR unveiled its new policy supporting local not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) as partners in the socio-economic development of the country. CDEA (Community Development and Environment Association) was officially registered with the Lao PDR government on 26th February 2004, under the supervision of the Lao Union of Science and Engineering Association (LUSEA), Lao PDR Prime Minister’s office.

The work of the CDEA draws together sustainable community and environmental development, acknowledging people’s co-dependency with their environment. It provides guidance and support to grassroots community groups and not-for-profit community-based projects in the country. CDEA works towards women’s empowerment, thus, creating a strong platform for building income generating activities and social welfare initiatives. Cooperation among the grassroots is the cornerstone of the CDEA’s values towards attaining the goal of empowering communities in order that they will ultimately understand their own development processes.

CDEA accepted the invitation to join Homenet Southeast Asia as a network concerned with homebased workers’ issues in Laos. CDEA has been undertaking activities sponsored by Homenet Southeast Asia and implemented in partnership with Homenet Northeast (Homenet Thailand). In particular, the Homenet SEA supported activities for developing village banks in the eight villages of the Xaythani District , Vientiane Capital , began in 2004, through Homenet Thailand ). The said initiative was in partnership with the Women’s Union, Xaythani district under project FIAM, LWU and CDEA. Soon after, activities such as occupational skills development training for women, intensive networking for expansion to include other Laos NPOs and meeting with concerned government organizations (GOs) followed. Among the on-going projects of CDEA are: development and training for putting up village banks and savings groups; urban waste and organic composting (in schools) and a recycling pilot project; duck raising; skills training and income generation project for women.

Khantone Phamuang during the subregional workshop on Fair Trade and Social Marketing held in the Philippines

In the future, CDEA plans to undertake a study tour in order to generate productive exchange of information and experiences with neighboring countries. More importantly, a community marketing mechanism, with efficient networking system, that will assist producers sell and promote their products will be set up. Target communities will be provided with ample information through dissemination of materials and campaigns in order to raise their level of awareness and involvement.

The government of Lao PDR, just like other countries in the ASEAN region, is also bound by AFTA rules and regulations, where trade and industry is concerned. In year 2008, Lao will have tariff levels at 0-5%. At the country level, Lao PDR expects to derive income for the poorer population from displacement fees (fund for community development) collected from building of dam for electricity, wood products, tourism, and construction of transit roads leading to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar.

Sharing Of Social Protection Experiences

Indonesia

Laos

Philippines

South Asia

Thailand

Subregional Workshop On Social Protection