The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) recently elected Vietnam to the Executive Council of the United Nations (UN) Agency for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the 2025-term. 2027. On this occasion, Ms. Caroline Nyamayamombe, Chief Representative of UN Women, shared with the World & Vietnam about Vietnam's efforts to promote gender equality in recent times.
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| On April 9 (US time), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected Vietnam to the Executive Council of UN Women for the 4-2025 term. (Source: UN) |
Outstanding achievements
Firstly, I would like to sincerely congratulate Vietnam on being elected to the Executive Council of UN Women for the 2025-2027 term. This is important recognition from the international community of Vietnam's steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women. At the same time, it emphasized the strong cooperative relationship between Vietnam and UN Women at the national and global levels.
Monday, this is a completely deserved appointment because Vietnam has made great strides in recent years to address gender inequality and promote women's rights in many different fields, including law, politics, education and employment.
The Vietnamese government has maintained its drive to promote gender equality over the years. Since the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, we have seen Vietnam's world ranking on Gender Equality increase from 83rd to 72nd out of 146 countries (according to the Global Gender Gap Report compiled by World Economic Forum announced in 2023).
Despite the challenges that persist, I can cite four notable achievements since the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals:
One is, Vietnam has continued to strengthen its policy and legal framework on gender equality. For example, the Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (2017); Amended Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence (2022); Amended Labor Code (2019).
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet received the UN Women Representative presenting his credentials in March 3. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
| “Vietnam can share its own journey and inspire many other countries. These contributions are invaluable in informing and supporting innovative approaches and partnerships that promote gender equality and empower women.” |
Secondly, Vietnam has promoted women's participation in politics at the 2021 election, with the proportion of female National Assembly representatives increasing to 30% - the highest since 1976, higher than the global average of 25%.
Third is, Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest rate of women participating in the workforce in the world. This rate is almost as high as that for men (72% for women, compared to 82% for men).
Four is, Vietnam recently approved the National Action Program on Women, Peace and Security for the first time in January 1, and has exceeded the set goal of strengthening the role and participation of women. women in peacekeeping operations.
Inspirational story
The UN Women Executive Council's role is to provide intergovernmental support and oversight of UN Women's operational activities, consistent with the overall policies of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and comply with the responsibilities set out in the United Nations Charter. Furthermore, the Council is tasked with ensuring that UN Women remains compliant and responsive to the needs and priorities of host countries.
During the 2025-2027 term, UN Women will adopt a new global strategy to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with gender equality at its heart.
Based on its achievements and experience, Vietnam, with its diverse population and unique social culture, will bring many insightful perspectives on promoting gender equality. For example, Vietnam has made efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty and achieve average income, but currently, 10,3% of women globally are still living in extreme poverty.
There are challenges but also many opportunities in the digital and energy transition, as well as in increasing women's participation in climate change, politics, and global peace and stability.
Vietnam can share its own journey and inspire many other countries. These contributions are invaluable in informing and supporting innovative approaches and partnerships that promote gender equality and empower women.
