March 8 is the International Women’s Day, a day that women all over the world and their contributions are recognized and honored. Women have come a long way, especially those who are abandoned in remote regions that lose touch with the rest of the world. On this special occasion, VOA-Lao Service is proud to bring to you a report of the Lao Embassy’s Cultural event on March 18, 2006.
Mrs. Amphanh Phommahasay, wife of His Excellency Ambassador Phanthong Phommahasay, told VOA that…”Every year on March 8, We, at the Lao PDR embassy, celebrate the “International Women’s Day” within our small circle. But this year we hosted our very first cultural
event that we opened up to a large audience, open to the public outside the Lao-merican community in the metropolitan area. On this special occasion, we as women celebrate and honor all women around the world. I am very proud and honored to share this special occasion with many Laotian American communities here in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Furthermore, the Lao Women’s Union in Vientiane will hold its 5th conference this year. As an Ambassador’s wife, I considered myself a leader, a
cultural Ambassador to represent the Lao PDR. I, along with my friends and staffs at the Lao PDR Embassy, would like to contribute and do our part to host this cultural exhibition as a fund-raising event to help the Women’s Union in Laos, by introducing our beautiful traditional arts and crafts that are made by Lao women, and passed down from mother to daughter, from one generation to the next.” In addition to Lao arts and crafts, guests were treated to favorite Lao foods such as: sticky rice, tum som(green papaya salad), B.B.Q. chicken, heavenly beef and other treats.
Mrs. Amphanh also mentioned to VOA that…
”I will build on this experience and open up
to a bigger audience in the future. I hope to have this type of function every year and we will bring more silvers, jewelry and art deco to future events.”
On the role and progress of women in the Lao PDR, the Lao ambassador’s wife had this to Say: “Since the revolution, Lao women’s roles
have changed and have improved a lot. We have women running for offices now. There is a few women in the national assembly. This is indeed a big step forward for Lao women, who now can venture out to the outside world on their own, and don't have to wait and walk behind their husbands anymore.”
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