The Lao Rugby Federation (LRF) is the organizing body for all rugby activities within the Lao PDR. The Federation was created in 2001 with a vision of offering rugby opportunities to everyone in Laos. Since then, we have expanded our work to 3 provinces and work to include all rugby activities in the country. The LRF is currently a full member of Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports, a full member of Asia Rugby, and World Rugby. Lao Rugby Federation is the only rugby federation in the world with more than 50 % women participation at all levels, from athletes, coaches, staff and senior leaders.

Women coaches and athletes, including Hmong women, face a variety of expectations and pressures based on their gender, ethnicity and first language. These negative and deeply rooted gender expectations and norms within the community have created significant barriers to women’s participation in sport. As female members of ethnic groups, athletes and coaches have all experienced such discrimination and language barriers. Some have been able to overcome these barriers and have pursued their passion for coaching and playing rugby, but many have not. These obstacles and pressures stem from deep-rooted negative gender norms and expectations of families and people in the community, especially the Hmong, which are all caused by prejudices and opinions in society. As a result, they face significant challenges in accessing learning opportunities in sports and life skills.

While some can overcome these obstacles and follow their passion to become coaches or athletes, there are still many who cannot. The federation has created two groups: Unstoppable(F) which is all-inclusive and Change Champion(M) which are young ethnic and Lao people who play sports and have exceptional leadership skills and a desire to lead and change; Unstoppable(F) aims to provide a platform, opportunity and network for the next generation to express their opinions. For the Change Champion (M) group, it works on how to break down social norms that men are better leaders than women.

This project was proposed to see more women and men in the community become leaders. To make teachers and adults in society understand more about developing women through rugby. To make parents or guardians more aware of rugby and thus be able to expand the sport of rugby in many places. Everyone can see that women can become more leaders through participating in rugby and sports activities.