#vivncaus

Original Post: "Hmoob Tulub" - VivNcaug, Laos.

On October 25, 2013 36 participants (32 females and 4 males) came together in Laos with Viv Ncaus Laos and discussed the problems and solutions to end and prevent abusive international marriages and domestic violence. This is a summary of their session. Problem: 1. Poverty drives family and young women to engage in international marriages 2. Lack of educational opportunities and scholarship 3. Lack of accurate information regarding actual situations of international marriages in both countries 4. Lack of supporting network for the victims and potential-victims Solutions: 1. Provide opportunities that lead to financial scholarships and access to education for Hmong youth in Laos 2. Identify and make visible role models for Hmong women in Laos who are independent with higher education to help empower other Hmong women in Laos to see that they can succeed without being in an international relationship 3. Create networks to exchange information and opinions, such as a mentoring program for young women and men; also, create strong networking between women in the US and Laos to provide factual information about both countries to prevent DV and other problems related to international relationships 4. Educate youth in Laos to become more informed about the consequences of abusive international marriages and to help people in the US to understand the situation in Laos

Viv Ncaus / Sisterhood is a non-governmental organization in Laos working to support the well-being of ethnic women and girls to reach their full potential, break the cycle of poverty, and raise their status in society.