Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
2015 saw the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which marked the establishment of a highly integrated market with a combined purchasing power of US2.3 trillion. For Mekong countries, this provided great economic potential by providing access to regional markets and value chains. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted regional economies and trade relationships. Initial indications are that the economic impacts of COVID have disproportionately impacted marginalised groups and women through the reinforcing of traditional gender roles associated with unpaid care and household labour, deeper impacts in sectors where women are overrepresented and COVID restrictions creating difficulty accessing essential goods and services and making detection of gender-based violence more challenging . Realignment of regional trade partnerships will be critical to future economic growth and stability.
This program seeks to support diverse participants from both the public and private sectors to develop leadership capabilities which support and improve economic and community outcomes. This support is anchored in an understanding that inclusivity is supported by community-wide and institutional changes in attitudes, expectations and practices.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The program targets Australian Award Alumni from the Mekong Region and senior government staff from the Lao government. Two iterations of the programs have been conducted in 2021 and 2022 with another one scheduled for 2023, including fully online and hybrid programs with face to face sessions in Laos covering in total over 70 participants.
Outcomes to Date
Upon completion of the program, participants have achieve the following skills and knowledge:
•Participants have a better understanding to identify and improve their skills in decision-making, leadership empowerment and develop their soft skills for their professional development, and build confidence and networks to support their potential
•Participants gained a deeper understanding of significant issues, including how women and diverse people experience intersectional disadvantage, as well as understanding inclusive gender equity and leadership in the region, including how this relates to recovery after COVID-19
•Male participants became allies of women and agents for change in their communities and workplaces to bring positive impacts as related to women’s leadership and gender equality
•Participants contribute to strong relationship between the Mekong countries and Australia
Project Significance
The project focuses on raising awareness of the SDGs, particularly regarding SDGs 5, 10 and 17 directly focusing and emphasising the importance of gender equality and inclusiveness for economic growth and COVID recovery in the Mekong region. Building partnerships and connections among people, organisations and countries has also been a central focus.