ASEAN-Japan cooperation creates momentum for promoting gender equality in sports

In a joint effort to build a dynamic and inclusive Southeast Asia, the ASEAN-Japan cooperation project on gender equality in sports is making important strides.

Led by Seijo University (Japan), the project not only delivers positive results for member countries but also affirms the role of sport as a powerful tool to empower women and girls.

The Gender Equality in Sports Project, under the ASEAN-Japan Action Plan, has been implemented in close cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat. After its operation, online and face-to-face meetings were held to review achievements and discuss future plans. According to Mr. Sho Sato, project manager, the initiative has brought about remarkable results in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei.

Vietnam organized a seminar with the theme "Sports and women in the era of rising up, towards sustainable development" within the framework of the ASEAN + Japan Gender Equality Project.

One of the key activities of the project is the organization of thematic workshops. Typically, the ASEAN-Japan Workshop on Gender Equality in Sports in Hanoi in January 2024 focused on integrating gender perspectives into sports policy. Most recently, the Workshop in Manila (Philippines) in January 2025 continued to delve into monitoring and evaluating gender equality policies.

In-depth research into the cultural and social contexts of countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines has contributed to affirming the importance of sports for women. In parallel, surveys throughout 2023-2024 have helped collect specific gender data, thereby identifying country-specific priorities as well as common challenges facing the 10 ASEAN countries.

A delegation of officials from Seijo University, Japan visited and worked in Vietnam to analyze the challenges and difficulties of women and girls participating in sports activities in Vietnam.

The project’s plenary meeting, scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2026 in Cambodia, will be an opportunity for policymakers to discuss medium- and long-term policies, systematically integrating gender into sports activities and budgets. With financial support from the Japanese Government through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), and cooperation from international organizations such as UN Women, this project is expected to create new steps forward, supporting ASEAN countries, building a generation of female leaders capable of contributing to the goal of comprehensive gender equality.

Project Impact in Vietnam

Looking ahead, the project will focus on developing a comprehensive plan for the next five years, including both goals and priorities. According to Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Sports Administration Le Thi Hoang Yen, Vietnam has identified medium-term goals, with the top priority being to promote female leadership in sports and provide career development skills for female athletes. To achieve this, activities such as gender equality training for managers, organizing sports tournaments specifically for women and honoring outstanding women's teams will be promoted.

The Japan-ASEAN Gender Equality in Sports Workshop took place on January 8-9, 2025, at TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila, Philippines, bringing together 22 representatives of ASEAN member countries.

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen also emphasized the diversity in the women's sports movement in Vietnam, from top athletes such as Nguyen Thi Anh Vien and Nguyen Thi Oanh to women participating in community sports such as yoga and jogging... This is the result of effective policy communication and positive changes in health awareness in society.

According to Deputy Director Le Thi Hoang Yen, each female coach and athlete is an example of strong will and influence. Vietnamese women always receive support from family and society, and are a model of "being good at public affairs and good at housework".

During the project implementation, many activities on gender equality have been organized in Vietnam. Notably, the gender equality interview activity "Women and Sports" in January 2024 in Hanoi with the participation of female coaches, athletes, officials, leaders of state management agencies and Vietnam Sports Federations/Associations or the Gender Equality in Sports Seminar with the theme: "Sports and Women in the Era of Rising, Towards Sustainable Development" in June 2025.

These events play a key role in promoting broader dialogue and raising awareness about the role of women in sport. By bringing together female coaches, athletes, managers and leaders of federations/associations, the interviews and panel discussions provide multi-dimensional perspectives from the people involved.

At these events, they have the opportunity to share their successes, challenges and inspirational stories, thereby highlighting the value and great contribution of women to Vietnamese sports. Listening to these stories directly helps to break down old stereotypes and build a new, more modern image of women in sports.

The information, data and opinions gathered from these events are a valuable resource for policymakers to develop and adjust appropriate strategies. Instead of relying solely on theory, listening to the actual opinions of women directly involved in sports will help to make policies more effective and closer to reality.

In addition, these events also create a connecting space for stakeholders, from state agencies to social organizations, to find common solutions together. This not only helps Vietnam achieve its gender equality goals but also contributes to the sustainable development of the country's sports in the new era...

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/hop-tac-asean-nhat-ban-tao-dong-luc-cho-thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-trong-the-thao-20250909151920352.htm