Concerns about gender imbalance

Over the years, population work in Vietnam in general and Dong Nai province in particular has achieved many positive results. Many people have proactively undergone pre-marital health check-ups, prenatal screening, and newborn screening; the stature and life expectancy of the people have increased...

Male and female students should have equal opportunities for education, contributing to a just and sustainable society. (Photo: Students at Lac Hong Bilingual School (Tran Bien Ward) during a practical session. Photo: Hanh Dung)

However, population control efforts are also facing many challenges, including the gender imbalance at birth.

An alarming situation.

Naturally, for every 100 girls born, there should be approximately 104-106 boys. However, in Vietnam, this ratio has far exceeded the safe threshold. In 2020, the sex ratio at birth was 112.1 boys per 100 girls; this is expected to remain high at 110.7 boys per 100 girls by 2024. In some northern provinces, this figure even reaches 120 boys per 100 girls, an alarming disparity.

In Dong Nai province alone, the sex ratio at birth fluctuates around 106-108 boys per 100 girls. According to Le Quang Trung, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health : “If this situation continues, in the not-too-distant future, we will face a surplus of males and a shortage of females, leading to many other social consequences such as trafficking of women and increased gender inequality…”

In fact, in many schools in Dong Nai province, the number of male students has significantly exceeded the number of female students. Ms. Dao Bich Nguyet, Principal of Hoang Van Thu Secondary School (Long Binh ward), said: The school has more than 4,000 students, with more male students than female students. On average, each class has 55 students.
I am male, aged 30-31.

Similarly, at Phan Dinh Phung Primary School (Long Binh ward), according to Ms. Pham Thi Diu, the school principal, out of a total of over 3,900 students, nearly 2,100 are boys and over 1,800 are girls.

According to experts, there are many reasons for the gender imbalance at birth. First and foremost is the ideology of "preferring sons over daughters." Many people still believe that sons are the ones who carry on the family lineage and are the pillars of the family, while daughters "get married and become someone else's child," so they feel compelled to give birth to a son.

Furthermore, economic pressure and the ever-increasing cost of raising children lead many couples to want fewer children and hope to have a son for "security." Many people turn to medical services to choose the sex of their unborn child using modern technology, even though this practice is strictly prohibited by law.

An obstetrician in Dong Nai shared: "Many couples come to us asking about interventions to have a son, but we always explain clearly and firmly refuse. Because this is a violation of professional ethics and the law."

Besides the subjective reasons mentioned above, many couples, without any intervention, only have sons.

Reducing gender imbalance at birth is a long journey, requiring strong involvement from both the political system and the entire population. When gender stereotypes are eliminated, and when people understand that human value lies not in gender, but in character and ability, Vietnam will truly move closer to a sustainable future where every child born has the equal right to live, learn, and be happy.

Deputy Director of Dong Nai Department of Health Le Quang Trung

"All children are equal."

To minimize the gender imbalance at birth, Vietnam has set a target of bringing the sex ratio at birth to below 109 boys per 100 girls by 2030. To achieve this goal, in addition to strengthening the management of healthcare facilities, the core issue remains changing people's perceptions.

In Dong Nai, communication and education on gender equality have been intensified at all levels and in all sectors. The Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Education and Training, the Provincial Women's Union, and local authorities, has continuously organized training sessions and thematic talks on reproductive health care and gender imbalance at birth for secondary and high school students. These discussions help students better understand the value of each gender and the significance of having children according to natural laws.

"I think both boys and girls are equally good; what's important is that they both receive love, care, and a proper education," shared Le Hoang Phu Kiet, a student at Tan Phong Secondary School (Tan Trieu Ward).

Not only in schools, but many creative awareness-raising activities have also been widely implemented. A prime example is the "Being a Girl is Wonderful" drawing contest launched by the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Health in 2025. The contest attracted nearly 500 entries from 35 junior high schools across the province. Through each drawing, the students expressed their emotions and thoughts about the image of girls in life, honoring the role and value of women in modern society.

Ngo Bao Phuc, a student in class 6/3 at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School, who won first prize in the competition, shared: “Through my painting, I hope that gender equality will be effectively implemented, and that girls will confidently express themselves, pursue their dreams, and contribute to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more civilized country.”

Ms. Dao Bich Nguyet, Principal of Hoang Van Thu Secondary School, the first-place winner in the team category, said: “Education on gender equality and the value of each gender is an important part of the school's curriculum. Students are encouraged to recognize that boys and girls have equal roles in the family and society.”

Ms. Nguyen Thu Thao (residing in Tran Bien ward) confided: "We never thought we needed a son to feel complete. Our two daughters are well-behaved, academically successful, and filial, which is our greatest pride. For my husband and me, that is unparalleled happiness."

In reality, when parents understand that "all children are equal" and give equal love and care to all their children, the child's gender is no longer an issue. This shift in mindset is the solid foundation for a more equal and happy society.

Hanh Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/noi-lo-mat-can-bang-gioi-tinh-5ac447a/