Vietnam Joins Forces with UN to Promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

On March 4, 2023, in Hanoi, Vietnam’s National Assembly Vice Chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Thanh, met with Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Vietnam, and Michaela Bauer, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Vietnam. The meeting centered on enhancing collaboration in the fields of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Commitment to Gender Equality

During the meeting, Thanh emphasized Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality. She acknowledged the strong partnership between the Vietnamese government and UN Women, particularly in developing policies aimed at preventing gender-based violence and promoting women’s rights.

Advancements and Ongoing Challenges

Vietnam has witnessed notable advancement in women’s representation, with female deputies comprising over 30% of the National Assembly. However, challenges persist, especially in providing women and girls in rural and disadvantaged regions with better access to education, employment, and technology.

Future Initiatives and Events

Thanh also announced Vietnam’s upcoming membership on the UN Women Executive Board for the term 2025-2027, marking a significant step in the country’s international engagement on gender issues. She indicated that during her participation in the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) on March 10, she would address Vietnam’s strategies to fulfill commitments made in the 1995 Beijing Declaration.

Strategic Focus Areas

• Enhancing women’s access to science and technology.
• Utilizing digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve women’s skills.
• Increasing women’s participation in politics and the economy.

UNICEF Collaboration for Child Welfare

In the meeting, Thanh also reaffirmed Vietnam’s partnership with UNICEF, acknowledging its pivotal role in child protection and welfare throughout the years. She urged UNICEF to continue mobilizing resources to support vulnerable children, especially in climate-affected areas.

Feedback from UN Representatives

Both Nyamayemombe and Bauer praised Vietnam’s prioritization of gender equality and child welfare. They expressed confidence in the Vietnamese delegation’s capacity to engage in meaningful discourse at CSW69, focusing on crucial issues such as violence against women, economic opportunities for women, and sustainable development goals.

As Vietnam prepares for future collaborations with international organizations, there is a hopeful vision for building an inclusive environment in science and technology, ensuring that women and girls not only participate but also lead in shaping the advancements in these fields.

In summary, the continuous efforts and collaboration between Vietnam and UN bodies reflect a strong commitment towards achieving gender equality and empowering women across all sectors.