The French Embassy in Laos has signed grant agreements with eight Lao organizations as part of the French small grants program, Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) for 2024. This initiative focuses on promoting gender equality and supports projects aimed at fighting gender-based violence and empowering women.

In line with France's global strategy to promote women's rights, the selected projects will be implemented in six provinces: Bokeo, Saravan, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Phongsaly, and Xieng Khuang. The FEF-OSC program aims to support 18 projects with over half a million Euros in total.

Key projects include:
- **ADPWL**: LAK 328 million to combat violence against sex workers and improve their access to health services.
- **ADWLE**: LAK 448 million to support vulnerable women and children with health services and legal rights protection.
- **APPAL**: LAK 227 million to create gender equality-themed artwork.
- **COSKA**: LAK 500 million for the economic empowerment of young women in Phongsaly Province.
- **FAPPL XK**: LAK 499 million to enhance entrepreneurship and leadership among ethnic minority women.
- **NCA**: LAK 499 million to provide quality education and protect girls from violence in Bokeo Province.
- **Sengsavang**: LAK 499 million for reintegration support for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet Province.
- **Women Development Fund**: LAK 500 million for developing a model gender equality village in Saravan Province.

The FEF-OSC selection committee included representatives from AFD, GIZ, and UNDP. Grantees can submit a second phase of projects in early 2025, and the call will also be open to new applicants.

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