On the morning of March 29, the International Forum "Women, Cyber Security and STEM" was held in Hanoi , attracting more than 400 delegates from embassies, United Nations agencies, international organizations in Vietnam, the Central Women's Union and 63 provinces/cities to attend in person and online.
The forum was organized by the Vietnam Women's Union (VWU) in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in Vietnam (UN Women) in response to the theme launched by the United Nations for International Women's Day on March 8, 2023 "Digital for All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality".
The event aims to share experiences and call for joint efforts to promote gender equality, encourage women to master Science , Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and cyberspace.
Attending the Forum were Mr. Tran Tuan Anh, Politburo member, Head of the Central Economic Commission; Ms. Ha Thi Nga, Party Central Committee member, President of the Vietnam Women's Union; Ms. Elisa Fernandez, Chief Representative of UN Women in Vietnam; Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam; representatives of leaders of central departments, ministries and branches; Vietnam Women's Union.
In her opening speech at the Forum, President of the Vietnam Women's Union Ha Thi Nga affirmed that science, technology and innovation play a decisive role in improving labor productivity, competitiveness, and promoting the economic and social development of each country. In particular, gender equality in science and technology will also help to best promote the strengths of both genders and the great potential of national resources.
Ms. Ha Thi Nga said that in reality, there are still gender gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and the number of women participating in STEM fields, especially in leadership positions, is limited.
According to a 2022 United Nations report, women account for only 22% of the workforce in the field of artificial intelligence and only 28% of graduates in engineering. With the rapid development of science and technology, especially the digitalization process, women and girls have many opportunities to develop, but also face many challenges.
Research data also shows that 38% of women active online in countries have experienced online violence.
According to Ms. Ha Thi Nga, to contribute to changing this situation, there needs to be joint efforts from relevant parties, while aiming for changes in macro policies, as well as specific interventions to increase the participation, contribution and equal benefit of women and girls from advances in science and technology.
The President of the Vietnam Women's Union emphasized: "In the coming time, the Union will continue to implement practical programs and activities contributing to the sustainable development of the country with the spirit of "No woman is left behind" in the digital age, focusing on promoting women's participation in STEM fields and ensuring a safe online environment for women and girls."
At the Forum, delegates discussed and shared diverse initiatives and experiences in empowering women and girls through information technology and participating in safe cyberspace.
Ms. Elisa Fernandez, UN Women Representative in Vietnam, believes that the forum is an important opportunity for relevant agencies and organizations to demonstrate their strong commitment to supporting and encouraging women and girls to participate and enjoy equality in cyberspace and in the STEM field.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski said that the concept of digital society is now very familiar to the people, and at the same time, behind it, there are also negative discussions and comments. Therefore, in terms of gender equality, it is necessary to pay attention and come up with practical management methods to bring the best things to women and children.
Many other practical contents were also shared at the Forum such as Ms. Nguyen Tran Ngoc Linh, Director of the Data Analysis Center, Viettel Telecom Corporation, Military Industry - Telecommunications Group, presenting a speech on scientific and technological products of female engineers; Ms. Gaelle Demolis Ebassa, expert on governance, peace and security, UN Women Asia-Pacific Regional Office, presenting a number of solutions in building a safer online environment for women and girls in the digital age...
In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Do Dinh Thi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention, Ministry of Public Security, also gave notes for women in cyber security.
The Forum is a continuation of international events that the Vietnam Women's Union and UN Women have jointly organized over the years and is part of the Framework Agreement for Cooperation between the two sides for the period 2022-2026. This is also an activity to contribute to supporting women's international integration in the spirit of Resolution 18 of the Vietnam Women's Union, issued in January 2021.
The Vietnam Women's Union, as a socio-political organization representing the legal and legitimate rights of women, has carried out activities to promote women's participation in science and technology as well as ensure the safety of women and children, including safety in the online environment.
In January 2021, the Association issued Resolution 18 on "supporting women in international integration" until 2030 in fields including science and technology.
The Vietnam Women's Union has also implemented programs, projects, awards, and competitions to encourage and support women in scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and effective participation in the digital economy and digital society.
(baoquocte.vn)
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