BEQUAL’s Phase 2 extension introduces a focus on strengthening gender equality and women’s advancement in the education sector. BEQUAL supports the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to raise awareness of gender and social norms, strengthen gender-responsive management and leadership, and promote more inclusive organisational practices.

A central part of this work is developing and piloting a Gender Equitable Management (GEM) Tool in partnership with MoES Division for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (DAWMC). The tool will support MoES departments and subnational offices to strengthen gender-responsive management and more equitable leadership.

In parallel, BEQUAL supports a Women in Leadership capacity-building program, working with DAWMC and the Lao Women’s Union to strengthen the confidence and capability of women leaders and gender equality champions. This work helps build a cohort of informed and committed advocates who can support sustained change across the education sector.

BEQUAL support focuses on:

• Awareness raising of education stakeholders at central and subnational levels on gender and social norms that constrain the ability of women to lead
• Capacity building for the Women in Leadership program
• Support to DAWMC to develop and pilot the GEM tool at national and subnational levels
• Training and support for MoES central departments, Teacher Training Colleges, Provincial Education and Sports Services, and District Education and Sports Bureaus to use the GEM tool to reflect on organisational culture, environment, and practices
• Support to DAWMC to update, finalise, and submit the GEM tool for national endorsement and wider use