Government officials, employers' representatives and workers' organizations in the Lao People's Democratic Republic have strengthened their capacity to promote fair, inclusive and respectful workplaces in the garment and manufacturing sectors through a Training of Trainers programme supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The three-day training, "Eliminating Discrimination in Employment and Addressing Violence and Harassment in the Garment and Manufacturing Industry," took place in Vientiane on 14-16 July 2026. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU), and other industry stakeholders.
Participants were equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to become trainers and resource persons within their respective institutions, enabling them to cascade the training and promote the implementation of international labour standards and national legal frameworks on equality, non-discrimination, violence and harassment, and workplace safety.
The programme was organized under the ILO project Eliminating Workplace Discrimination, Harassment and Child Labour in the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Support Trade and Compliance, funded by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Opening the training, Oudone Maniboun, Deputy Director General of the Labour Management Department at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of strengthening national capacity to build fair and inclusive workplaces.
"Supporting trade and compliance is of critical importance. Through this training, we aim to strengthen the capacity of trainers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks related to discrimination, violence, and harassment. Equipped with this knowledge, they will be able to deliver training, share good practices, and serve as catalysts for positive change in their respective industries and workplaces."
Representing workers, Khamchanh Sivanhthong, Deputy Director General of the Labour Protection Department of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, underscored the importance of expanding the training through the union network.
"As the representative workers' organization, the LFTU has an important responsibility to build the capacity of its members at the provincial and district levels through this Training of Trainers programme. This training provides a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from one another, strengthen their understanding of workplace discrimination and harassment, and accurately interpret these concepts so they can help promote fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces throughout the country."
Representing employers, Daovading Phirasayphithak, Secretary-General of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that fair and inclusive workplaces are fundamental to improving business competitiveness and retaining skilled workers.
"Employers should be supported in developing fair recruitment practices and workplace policies. This Training of Trainers programme will strengthen the capacity of the business community to raise awareness of discrimination, harassment and workplace safety. Ultimately, enterprises should establish strong workplace policies that attract, protect and retain their workforce."
Throughout the training, participants explored the principles of non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation, with discussions focusing on preventing discrimination based on different characteristics. The training also examined the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where all workers have equal access to recruitment, training, promotion and decent working conditions.
A key component of the programme focused on preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work. Participants examined the different forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and sexual harassment, and discussed practical measures that enterprises can adopt to foster respectful workplaces. Interactive case studies and group exercises enabled participants to identify workplace risks, develop prevention strategies and strengthen mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents.
The training also enhanced participants' facilitation skills through interactive learning methods, equipping them with practical tools to deliver future training within government agencies, enterprises and workers' organizations.
By developing a pool of national trainers, the initiative aims to create a multiplier effect, enabling knowledge and good practices to reach a wider audience throughout the garment and manufacturing sectors. Participants also exchanged experiences and identified opportunities for closer collaboration among government, employers and workers in promoting equality, preventing discrimination and fostering safe and respectful workplaces.
© ILO
