Project
Hmong Single Mothers Empowerment Project
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Amount Funded
15,085 EUROProject Duration
01 Jul 2022 - 31 Dec 2023 -
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Lead organisation
Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA)
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The Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA) was established in 1995 to support Hmong migrants relocating from remote highland areas to more accessible villages. This migration aimed to improve their access to healthcare, education, communication, and sustainable livelihoods while reducing reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture.
Many Hmong families who moved from the highlands faced significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. They had limited agricultural land, were geographically dispersed, and lacked community support during times of crisis. In particular, families struggling with severe illness or death found it difficult to access assistance, and the poorest households were often unable to afford traditional funeral ceremonies.
Recognizing these challenges, AMA’s director took action in 1996 by bringing together 14 Hmong families to establish a community savings fund. This fund provided financial support to families facing serious illness or bereavement. Over time, membership grew to 916 families, and local authorities acknowledged the fund’s role in strengthening community support and unity among the Hmong people. Consequently, the organization received formal authorization.
With government recognition and support, AMA expanded its initiatives to address broader issues affecting the Hmong ethnic minority. The association launched projects focused on access to justice, preservation of Hmong cultural traditions, and capacity-building for village authorities in land and forest management. Today, AMA is a registered Non-Profit Association (NPA) with 1,387 member families, representing a total population of 10,887 people—of whom 5,435 are women. The demographic composition includes 95% Hmong, 3% Khmu, and 2% Lao Loum. AMA operates across 30 villages in four districts: LPB City, Pakou, Phonexay, and XiengNgeurn.
In LPB, AMA is the only organization working directly with ethnic minority communities. The organization’s activities are structured into three core programs:
- Community Unity & Savings Assistance Program – Strengthening financial resilience and community solidarity.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Program – Promoting and safeguarding traditional practices among ethnic minority groups.
- Development Program – Supporting education for ethnic minority girls, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection, and women and child protection initiatives.
AMA has fully integrated gender equality across all its programs and activities. The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) has proven to be an effective and suitable tool for engaging AMA’s target communities.
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Organisation
The Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA) was established in 1995 to support Hmong migrants relocating from remote highland areas to more accessible villages. This migration aimed to improve their access to healthcare, education, communication, and sustainable livelihoods while reducing reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture.
Many Hmong families who moved from the highlands faced significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. They had limited agricultural land, were geographically dispersed, and lacked community support during times of crisis. In particular, families struggling with severe illness or death found it difficult to access assistance, and the poorest households were often unable to afford traditional funeral ceremonies.
Recognizing these challenges, AMA’s director took action in 1996 by bringing together 14 Hmong families to establish a community savings fund. This fund provided financial support to families facing serious illness or bereavement. Over time, membership grew to 916 families, and local authorities acknowledged the fund’s role in strengthening community support and unity among the Hmong people. Consequently, the organization received formal authorization.
With government recognition and support, AMA expanded its initiatives to address broader issues affecting the Hmong ethnic minority. The association launched projects focused on access to justice, preservation of Hmong cultural traditions, and capacity-building for village authorities in land and forest management. Today, AMA is a registered Non-Profit Association (NPA) with 1,387 member families, representing a total population of 10,887 people—of whom 5,435 are women. The demographic composition includes 95% Hmong, 3% Khmu, and 2% Lao Loum. AMA operates across 30 villages in four districts: LPB City, Pakou, Phonexay, and XiengNgeurn.
In LPB, AMA is the only organization working directly with ethnic minority communities. The organization’s activities are structured into three core programs:
- Community Unity & Savings Assistance Program – Strengthening financial resilience and community solidarity.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Program – Promoting and safeguarding traditional practices among ethnic minority groups.
- Development Program – Supporting education for ethnic minority girls, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection, and women and child protection initiatives.
AMA has fully integrated gender equality across all its programs and activities. The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) has proven to be an effective and suitable tool for engaging AMA’s target communities.
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Project
This project aims to advance gender equality among ethnic minority women, with a particular focus on single mothers. It seeks to create a safe space for them to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. The project will utilize the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) to support these women in addressing systemic challenges and advocating for change.
One of the key issues the project will address is the cultural stigma surrounding divorced women in Hmong communities. Many daughters marry young, later divorce, and return to their parents’ homes—yet they face exclusion and deep-rooted discrimination. Traditionally, they are not allowed to die in their parents’ home or have children from a second marriage, as they are considered unlucky for their families. These beliefs, which have persisted for generations in Lao PDR, continue to impact women’s rights and well-being.
To challenge and change this practice, the Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA) is taking proactive steps. The project will support 25 single foster mothers as representatives of the broader affected community. These women will engage in training to understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities under Lao law. The initiative will cover key topics, including:
- The Law on the Development and Protection of Women
- Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
- Children’s Rights
- Forms and Types of Violence
- Trafficking in Persons
- Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment
The training will be conducted in collaboration with the District and City Women’s Union, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their rights and challenge harmful traditional practices.
Through this initiative, AMA aims to set a precedent for change, fostering greater awareness and promoting gender equality within Hmong communities.
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This project aims to advance gender equality among ethnic minority women, with a particular focus on single mothers. It seeks to create a safe space for them to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. The project will utilize the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) to support these women in addressing systemic challenges and advocating for change.
One of the key issues the project will address is the cultural stigma surrounding divorced women in Hmong communities. Many daughters marry young, later divorce, and return to their parents’ homes—yet they face exclusion and deep-rooted discrimination. Traditionally, they are not allowed to die in their parents’ home or have children from a second marriage, as they are considered unlucky for their families. These beliefs, which have persisted for generations in Lao PDR, continue to impact women’s rights and well-being.
To challenge and change this practice, the Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA) is taking proactive steps. The project will support 25 single foster mothers as representatives of the broader affected community. These women will engage in training to understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities under Lao law. The initiative will cover key topics, including:
- The Law on the Development and Protection of Women
- Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
- Children’s Rights
- Forms and Types of Violence
- Trafficking in Persons
- Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment
The training will be conducted in collaboration with the District and City Women’s Union, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their rights and challenge harmful traditional practices.
Through this initiative, AMA aims to set a precedent for change, fostering greater awareness and promoting gender equality within Hmong communities.
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The Hmong Single Mothers Empowerment Project, led by the Association for Mutual Assistance (AMA), was designed to address long-standing gender inequalities within Hmong communities in Lao PDR. The initiative aimed to create a safe space for single mothers, equip them with knowledge of their legal rights, and challenge deeply rooted cultural stigmas that restrict their opportunities and dignity.
Challenges and Barriers
Despite its critical importance, the project faced significant challenges in securing approval and implementation. Key hurdles included:
- Delays in government approvals, particularly in finalizing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) due to bureaucratic and political complexities.
- Misinformation and resistance from local authorities, who were uncertain about whether the project required an MOA or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- Partner selection issues, as the initial implementing partner lacked alignment with the project’s objectives and prioritized personal gain over community benefit.
- Limited financial resources, preventing AMA from dedicating staff and funding to navigate administrative barriers.
- Cultural resistance, as gender norms and traditional laws surrounding Hmong single mothers remain deeply entrenched.
Progress and Achievements
Despite these barriers, AMA made significant strides in advocating for this cause:
- Community Engagement: District-level authorities approved project implementation, demonstrating eagerness to support their communities.
- Policy Discussions: The Lao National Front and the Department of Foreign Affairs reviewed the project, initiating discussions on policy recommendations.
- Knowledge Exchange: Through AMA’s participation in Voice’s learning groups, the team gained valuable expertise on MOA/MOU processes, financing, and best practices for project governance.
Lessons Learned
- Clear Legal Pathways Are Essential: Government procedures for MOAs vs. MOUs must be clarified upfrontto avoid administrative roadblocks.
- Partner Selection Matters: Selecting experienced and aligned partners is crucial to successful project implementation.
- Cultural Change Takes Time: Addressing deep-rooted traditions that marginalize women requires ongoing advocacy, education, and dialogue with communities and policymakers.
- Financial Preparedness is Key: Dedicated funding for administrative processes is necessary to keep momentum and avoid project stagnation.
Looking Ahead
Although the project faced setbacks, its impact is undeniable. It sparked crucial conversations about gender equality, women’s rights, and legal protections for single mothers in Hmong communities. The lessons learned will inform future initiatives, ensuring stronger partnerships, clearer legal frameworks, and better financial planning.
AMA remains committed to this mission and will continue working with local authorities and advocacy groups to advance the rights and well-being of Hmong single mothers.
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