Vietnam has achieved many goals regarding gender equality.

On March 25th in Hanoi , the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union, in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (UN Women) Vietnam, organized the Intergenerational Media Forum "Women and Gender Equality in the New Era". The event aimed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Attending the Forum were Ms. Truong My Hoa, former Vice President of Vietnam and Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995; Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyen, President of the Vietnam Women's Union; and many leaders from ministries, departments, and international organizations in Vietnam.

Delegates share their views at the Intergenerational Media Forum "Women and Gender Equality in the New Era". (Photo: UN Women Vietnam)

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, with the participation of 189 countries, committing to addressing the concerns and rights of women worldwide by the end of the 20th century.

By adopting 12 key areas for improvement to achieve equality, from eradicating poverty and enhancing access to education to combating violence and improving women's rights, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action not only sets clear goals but also provides a concrete action plan to achieve gender equality and improve women's rights worldwide.

The Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union, Nguyen Thi Tuyen, affirmed that over the past 30 years, Vietnam has been determined to realize the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action. All 12 areas of the Platform have been seriously implemented by Vietnam and have yielded positive results, most notably in the areas of "Women and Poverty," "Women and Health," "Women and the Economy," "Women and the Environment," and "Girls."

Currently, the proportion of female representatives in the National Assembly is consistently high in the Asia-Pacific region (30.26%). Vietnamese women account for 46.8% of the country's workforce; female labor participation is 62.4%; women own businesses at 28.2%; and women make up 14.4% of Vietnam's peacekeeping force, higher than the United Nations average of 10.2%. Furthermore, the country is currently strongly promoting digital literacy, including for women and girls.

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Tuyen speaks at the Forum. (Photo: UN Women Vietnam)

Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, Head of UN Women Vietnam, stated that Vietnam is in a new era – the rise of the nation. This forum inspires action to achieve gender equality in this new era.

This intergenerational forum serves as a reminder that it is necessary to bring together generations of Vietnamese people – both men and women – as equal partners in breaking down barriers and shaping a future free from discrimination and violence. Most importantly, it is crucial to empower young people, especially young women, in leadership positions today.

Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe - Head of UN Women Vietnam, speaks at the Forum. (Photo: UN Women)

Ms. Pauline Tamesis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, recommended that women's leadership is essential for peace and sustainable development. Vietnam has one of the highest percentages of women in the National Assembly in the Asia-Pacific region (30.26%). However, women's representation has not yet reached the 35% target and remains low in party leadership and public administration.

Furthermore, investing more in women and girls to narrow the gender gap in digital skills is crucial not only for promoting gender equality and transforming occupational segregation, but also for reaping the benefits of the burgeoning digital economy.

With digital transformation identified as a new growth driver in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Vietnam must invest in digital skills training for women and girls, especially in rural areas...

At the forum, delegates discussed the role of women in promoting gender equality throughout different periods; gender equality in the country's new era; and the role of youth in promoting gender equality. Many practical and valuable proposals and recommendations were put forward to further enhance the role, potential, strengths, sense of ownership, aspirations for advancement, and the development of Vietnamese women in the new era.

As part of the event, delegates also visited an exhibition space themed "Women and Gender Equality in the New Era," featuring images and media publications about some achievements and challenges in implementing gender equality in Vietnam today.

Vietnam's most significant achievement is its gender equality legal system.

Over the 30 years since the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Vietnam's most significant achievement has been the development of a legal and policy system related to gender equality, such as the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on Marriage and Family. Along with this, regulations mandate the inclusion of gender perspectives in the drafting of legal documents. These include specific provisions such as: Large family assets must be registered in the names of both husband and wife. This regulation represents a significant result in lawmaking, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women and children. It has contributed to a comprehensive change in the mindset and perception that women are merely dependent on their husbands and have no rights. The legal framework empowers women more fully, and the inclusion of gender perspectives in the drafting of legal documents is clearly defined.

Ms. Truong My Hoa, former Vice President of Vietnam, Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the 4th World Conference of Women in Beijing in 1995.

The international community highly appreciates Vietnam's achievements in implementing gender equality.

There is a strong commitment from the Party and State leaders and efforts from all levels and sectors in ensuring the rights of women and children. At the same time, Vietnam has built a comprehensive legal system to implement this Platform; thereby ensuring women's participation in politics and leadership positions. In particular, international friends greatly admire Vietnamese women for their creativity, efficiency in work, and ability to manage both public and private affairs. They also highly appreciate Vietnam's participation in international commitments, including those related to gender equality and sustainable development.

Currently, in the context of developing information technology and artificial intelligence, it is necessary to raise the awareness and skills of women to maximize the benefits of scientific and technological advancements while minimizing negative impacts on the family foundation. Simultaneously, it is crucial to eliminate technological gaps and barriers between lowland and mountainous areas, and regions with large ethnic minority populations, to prevent the widening of the technological divide. In particular, it is essential to strengthen women's resilience to the negative impacts of science and technology, preventing them from falling behind and exacerbating gender inequality in the face of rapid technological development.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-da-hien-thuc-hoa-nhieu-muc-tieu-ve-binh-dang-gioi-211730.html