The role of the LWU is recognized in the constitution, as providing an information gathering and service delivery role. The LWU has over 600,000 members in Laos. This represents participation in the LWU by about 50% of all Lao females, 17 years and over, (Source: Country Gender Analysis, 2002). Any woman can apply for membership in the LWU. After doing so, the applicant must be nominated to the LWU by village and district women. Its network stretches from the central level to villages throughout the country.