Young people, norms and consent in Lao PDR

Lao PDR has the highest adolescent pregnancy rate in Southeast Asia. Child, early and forced marriages and unions remain common. Behind these statistics are young people navigating complex social and gender norms around relationships, consent, marriage and pregnancy.  

Understanding how social and cultural norms shape young people's experiences is essential. Their voices and lived experiences can help us support adolescents – especially girls – take more control over their sexual and reproductive lives.

Working with UNFPA and the National University of Laos, this youth-led research explores how gender and social norms shape young people's experiences in Phongsaly and Bolikhamxay Provinces. 

This research examines: 

• how young people understand and experience sexual consent 

• how social, cultural and gender norms influence decisions about relationships, marriage and pregnancy 

• what happens when people conform to or challenge these norms 

• community strengths and opportunities for change in young people’s lives 

• potential interventions to reduce or prevent harm. 

We recognise that consent exists on a continuum, and that experiences differ across ethnic and socioeconomic groups. By centring young people's voices we aim to develop understandings that inform policies and programs responsive to their realities.

Our approach centres around 'for young people, by young people'. Youth researchers employed by the National University of Laos co-lead this study, bringing their expertise and perspectives throughout the research process. They work with young people who have experienced early marriage or pregnancy, community stakeholders and parents to explore how norms shape experiences. This youth-led approach recognises young people as experts on their own lives, best placed to understand their lived experiences. 

• better understand how norms shape young people’s experiences of sexual consent, relationships, pregnancy and early marriage 

• document pathways to early marriage and pregnancy across different communities 

• find ways to support young people to have more agency in their sexual lives and relationships 

• build research skills among young Lao researchers 

• develop recommendations for policy and programs that are centred around young people’s lives.