Lao PDR has made important advances in recent years by integrating GEDSI data into its national statistical system. The framework emphasizes not only data collection but also institutional collaboration and participatory processes. It ensures that national surveys and development plans captures the experiences of marginalized groups and that their voices inform government policies and priorities. By applying an intersectional lens, the data indicates how multiple disadvantages—such as being a woman, having a disability, and living in a rural area—can combine to create deeper exclusion than any single factor alone. Targeting alignment with global standards, the framework supports data-driven action to leave no one behind.
Pioneering data collection efforts. A major milestone was the country’s inclusion of disability-related questions in the Seventh Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey (2007–2008). This marked one of the first efforts to understand how disability intersects with factors such as poverty, age, gender, and geography. Importantly, there is growing recognition of the need to go beyond simple disability status and collect data on the type and severity of disability, to better tailor public services and infrastructure.
Visible disparities in education and health. The 2017 Lao Social Indicator Survey revealed marked disparities between ethnic groups. For example, literacy rates among women from some ethnic communities were significantly lower than men in the same groups and women from other ethnic groups. Similarly, health indicators such as skilled birth attendance and under-five mortality varied widely across regions and communities, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and resource allocation.
Capacity building and cross-sectoral collaboration. Since 2019, there has been concerted effort to ensure that collected data must be usable and actionable. Cross-sectoral trainings and collaboration among ministries, local governments, and civil society organizations have been emphasized to ensures that GEDSI data are translated into relevant policy design, monitoring, and budget allocation.
Innovative dissemination. The Lao Statistics Bureau and development partners since 2021 have invested in innovative formats such as data storytelling, infographics, and digital dashboards to make GEDSI data more accessible. These tools help translate complex statistical evidence into actionable insights for both policymakers and the public.
GEDSI integration guidelines. The 2025 Guidelines for Collecting, Analyzing, and Using Data on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion in Lao PDR, developed by the Lao Statistics Bureau with support from the Asian Development Bank, represent a step forward. They aim to promote the integration of GEDSI indicators into censuses, surveys, and administrative data systems and provide a roadmap for systematic, standardized collection to improve comparability and support more inclusive planning.