In this episode of Mekong Matters, we turn to Laos, where girls and young women are being lured across borders by false promises of jobs, security, and marriage. Once separated from their families, many face forced labor, sexual exploitation, surrogacy, and coerced criminal activity.

Our guest, Madame Intana, Director of the Association for Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE), explains how poverty, debt, gender norms, and limited opportunities drive vulnerability.

We also examine why many victims hesitate to seek help and the practical challenges they face, from lack of internet access to the need for precise address details to reach authorities.

This podcast has been funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views expressed in this publication are the author's alone and are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.