The following assessment was conducted to validate the level of viability of the W+ Standard in the context of the ICS Programme in Lao PDR. The W+ Standard is a certification label that endorses projects that create increased social and economic benefits for women participating in economic or environmental projects. Women’s empowerment is measured through six Domains of the W+ framework: Income, Time, Health, Leadership, Education/Knowledge, Income/Assets, and Food Security.
The ICS Programme aims to improve the cook stove value chain by supporting producers and manufacturers to develop more and higher quality stoves, while supporting retailers with an effective marketing strategy, and ensuring accurate information is provided to consumers.
The assessment was conducted in three sites: Vientiane capitol and Savanakhet and Champasak provinces of Lao PDR between 2-12 June 2014. Interviews were conducted with 40 women and men stakeholders in the ICS value chain.
