The state-run LWU is tasked with responding to women’s development needs across all levels of public administration, from the village level to the central government. The LWU’s offices include the Lao Women Development Department, which promotes and supports women’s livelihoods. The LWU supports a loose network of approximately 3100 women’s “savings groups.” These groups include a lending component, serve almost 200,000 people, and, according to 2013 figures maintained by the LWU, holds up to $22 million USD.