Vietnam Enhances Gender Equality Cooperation with UN Agencies
In a pivotal meeting held in Hanoi on Tuesday, National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh engaged with key representatives from the United Nations, including Caroline Nyamayemombe, the UN Women Representative in Vietnam, and Michaela Bauer, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF. The discussions aimed to bolster collaboration focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women in Vietnam.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Vice Chairwoman Thanh recognized the fruitful partnership between UN Women and the Vietnamese government in formulating policies that tackle gender inequality and combat gender-based violence. She reiterated Vietnam’s steadfast dedication to advancing gender equality, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of both the National Assembly and the government to refine legal frameworks and ensure that gender considerations permeate all aspects of socio-economic development policies.
UN Women Executive Board Membership
During the meeting, Thanh announced Vietnam’s official membership in the UN Women Executive Board for the term 2025-2027, commencing January 1, 2025. She articulated Vietnam’s intention to actively engage in shaping UN Women programs that align with the United Nations’ broader objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals established by member states.
Progress in Women’s Leadership
Vietnam has made notable strides in increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, with female deputies now comprising over 30 percent of the seats in the National Assembly. Nevertheless, Thanh pointed out ongoing challenges, particularly in ensuring access to education, employment, and technology for women and girls, especially in rural and underserved regions.
International Contributions and Upcoming Events
As part of her commitments at the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York scheduled for March 10, Thanh aims to present Vietnam’s insights and proposals to accelerate the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and its associated Platform for Action. She also plans to showcase the country’s accomplishments and share best practices in fostering gender equality and empowering women’s rights.
Calls for Continued Partnership
In light of these discussions, Thanh urged UN Women to maintain a close partnership with the Vietnamese government as outlined in the UN Women’s Strategy Note for Vietnam for the years 2022-2026. She emphasized the need to prioritize initiatives that enhance women’s access to technology, facilitate digital skill acquisition, and secure employment opportunities.
UNICEF’s Role in Child Protection
Additionally, Thanh acknowledged UNICEF as a crucial development partner, reflecting on its long-standing role in promoting child protection, education, and welfare in Vietnam. She requested that UNICEF focus on mobilizing resources to support children, particularly those from climate-vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds, while reinforcing policy advice and capacity building for officials in child-related sectors.
UN Representatives’ Perspectives
Both Nyamayemombe and Bauer commended Vietnam’s commitment to gender equality and child welfare, which is evident in its policies and programs. They voiced confidence that the Vietnamese delegation led by Thanh would facilitate successful discussions at CSW69, addressing key issues such as enhancing government structures for gender equality, developing national plans to eliminate violence against women, and promoting equitable access to technology and economic opportunities for women.
A Vision for the Future
Nyamayemombe expressed hope that Vietnam would contribute to a global movement towards policy reforms and actionable steps that cultivate a more inclusive environment in science, technology, and innovation, ensuring that women and girls not only benefit from technology but also play pivotal roles in shaping its future.
