Kuanjai Magazine
The Vientiane community is buzzing with excitement as TEDxWomen, the first female empowerment forum of its kind in Lao PDR, fast approaches. TEDxLaneXangAveWomen has been organized by the Vientiane Global Shapers, a group of diverse individuals from various different nationalities living in Laos. An initiative backed by the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is a network of hubs developed and led by young people, primarily between the ages of 20 and 30, who are exceptional in their potential, achievements and drive to make a difference in their communities.The shapers of the Vientiane hub are on a mission to improve the state of their city and their nation and hope that their positive impact will ripple from South East Asia to the world. The team is led by curator Benjamin Soo and the event has been organized under the leadership of shaper Mary Bounthalth.
TEDxLaneXangAveWomen will be a part of the official worldwide TEDxWomen 2017 Conference and will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital.
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The TEDx Program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences. The TEDWomen 2017 Conference will be held from November 1-3, 2017. This year’s theme, “Bridges” speaks to the ways in which we build bridges, traverse them, and sometimes even burn them, for better or worse. Within this broader theme, Vientiane Global Shapers have decided to focus on ++the theme “Reimagine” which is more applicable to the local context. “Reimagine” focuses on the role of women in our society, how one’s success can be redefined in their own terms and how to view oneself as a leader in their field and community. Five speakers will share their inspiring experiences of how they became successful leaders in their respective fields of fashion, textiles, mental health, film, human trafficking, entrepreneurship and social work.
“Our goal as Global Shapers is to champion the cause of improving the state of our city, Vientiane. I’m honored to be able to lead a team strongly driven by the desire to make a positive impact in our city and I believe that it’ll always be the core identity of who we are. These ‘heroes’ as I’d like to call them, work and brainstorm behind the scenes to execute initiatives and projects in different areas such as education, local culture promotion, road safety awareness, entrepreneurship and with this upcoming event, women empowerment. We’re proud to support and rally behind one of our very own to host this event that will highlight amazing women in our community and their stories that will instill values to make our city a better place,” says Benjamin.
“We, Vientiane Global Shapers, are humbled and honored by the tremendous support from our local community, which makes the experience of organizing this TEDxWomen uniquely incredible. We are also very thankful to our partners supporting us with resources and guidance, as well as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) showcasing their products and services to make this event a success,” adds Mary. This TEDxLaneXaneEveWomen will put the spotlight on dedicated Laotian women who have worked tirelessly to tackle local pressing issues such as human trafficking and mental health. It will serve as a platform to allow these women to voice their messages and share their experiences with our community. In addition, we will also hear from inspiring women in the fashion and textile industries who have, in an endless effort to preserve Lao culture, brought global recognition to Lao textiles. The involvement of these speakers in the Lao community is truly inspirational. Each of these women lead by example and serve as role models to women worldwide,” she says.
“Laos has some amazing talent and women are contributing so much to the development of this country. I am very proud that my government is able to support many Lao to develop their potential through our Chevening scholarships and to help showcase their success stories at TEDxLaneXangAveWomen,” says Hugh Evans, British Ambassador to Laos.
Lee-Anne Hermann, Charge d ’Affairs of Office of the Embassy of Canada, shows Canada’s support by stating, “The empowerment of girls and women is at the very heart of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. We believe that girls need to participate in the social, economic and political life of their communities to eradicate poverty and enhance development. This is why the Office of the Embassy of Canada is happy to be a part of TEDxLaneXangAveWomen’s efforts in providing a platform to celebrate the past and current success of Lao women to help inspire the young generation of girls to follow in their steps. As powerful agents of change, women and girls have the ability to transform their households, societies and their economies, but we also need to provide them with role models to look up to. Leading this year’s TEDxLaneXangAveWomen is our very own role model Mary Bounthalth, trade commissioner at the Office of the Embassy of Canada. As a young Lao woman, she is already a powerful agent of change and we are constantly inspired by her devoted efforts to bringing gender equality to Lao PDR. Best of luck to the organizing committee, and we are all looking forward to the inspiring and motivating stories of the speakers!”
TEDxLaneXangAveWomen will showcase the following incredible women and their motivational journeys: the founder and designer of Naree Handbags, MsManothipSiripaphanh; National Project Coordinator for the UN action against Human Trafficking, MsXoukietPanyanouvong; Co-Founder and Co-Director of OckPopTok Textiles, MsVeomaneeDouangdala; psychiatrist and program manager at Basic Needs Org, MsChantharavadyChoulamany and the first and only horror film director in Laos, Ms Mattie Do. Their enthusiasm is highly infectious and the success stories they present will serve as encouragement not only to women in Lao, but around the world.
