Access to and control over water security: The perspective of gender equality in Lao PDR
- 1Faculty of Public Health, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- 2Department of Planning and Finance, MONRE, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- 3Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Climate change and water-related disasters significantly affect water security and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), women often bear the burden of domestic water collection, yet their role in water governance remains limited. The objective of this study was to examine gendered dimensions of access to water security and participation in water-related decision-making across household, community, and institutional levels in Lao PDR. Data were collected through 32 focus group discussions (FGDs) with local authority, men’s, women’s and elderly groups (161 community participants) and 87 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders at central, provincial and district levels. Fieldwork was conducted in eight villages across two provinces and four districts, as well as at the national level. The study found that while progress has been made in expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, many rural communities continue to face water shortages. Women and children, particularly daughters, are primarily responsible for household water collection. Despite this critical role, women remain underrepresented in water supply decision-making processes at all administrative levels. Addressing gender disparities in water access and governance is essential to achieving water security in Lao PDR. Integrating a gender perspective into national water and sanitation programs is crucial for sustainable development and disaster resilience.
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BibTeX
@article{thongmixay2026access,
title = {{Access to and control over water security: The perspective of gender equality in Lao PDR}},
author = {Souksamone Thongmixay and Vanphanom Sychareun and Viengnakhone Vongxay and Vathsana Somphet and Chandavieng Phimmavong and Phouthong Phommavongsa and Somphone Khongsab and Khamthavisouk Detchanthachack and Vilakone Thongmala and Jo Durham},
journal = {PLOS Water},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pwat.0000341},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000341},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Access to and control over water security: The perspective of gender equality in Lao PDR
AU - Souksamone Thongmixay
AU - Vanphanom Sychareun
AU - Viengnakhone Vongxay
AU - Vathsana Somphet
AU - Chandavieng Phimmavong
AU - Phouthong Phommavongsa
AU - Somphone Khongsab
AU - Khamthavisouk Detchanthachack
AU - Vilakone Thongmala
AU - Jo Durham
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - PLOS Water
DO - 10.1371/journal.pwat.0000341
UR - https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000341
AB - Climate change and water-related disasters significantly affect water security and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), women often bear the burden of domestic water collection, yet their role in water governance remains limited. The objective of this study was to examine gendered dimensions of access to water security and participation in water-related decision-making across household, community, and institutional levels in Lao PDR. Data were collected through 32 focus group discussions (FGDs) with local authority, men’s, women’s and elderly groups (161 community participants) and 87 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders at central, provincial and district levels. Fieldwork was conducted in eight villages across two provinces and four districts, as well as at the national level. The study found that while progress has been made in expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, many rural communities continue to face water shortages. Women and children, particularly daughters, are primarily responsible for household water collection. Despite this critical role, women remain underrepresented in water supply decision-making processes at all administrative levels. Addressing gender disparities in water access and governance is essential to achieving water security in Lao PDR. Integrating a gender perspective into national water and sanitation programs is crucial for sustainable development and disaster resilience.
SN - 2767-3219
ER -