In November last year, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Vietnam worked with Hai Duong Women’s Union to organise a launch for the project “Promoting gender equality in the fields of politics and empowering the capacity for women elected representatives”.
This project aims to improve gender equality in Vietnam by increasing the number of women political leaders. It also aims to strengthen the skills of women who are elected deputies of People’s Councils, by training them in public speaking and advocacy.
Since its launch five years ago, it has helped 677 women stand for election at the commune, district, provincial and national levels of government. As a result, community attitudes regarding women leaders have been changed and stereotypes about women in leadership have been challenged.
Workshop launched
Forty delegates participated in the workshop, including representatives from the Embassy of Ireland, representatives from the Vietnam’s People’s Council and the Women’s Union of Hai Duong, Bac Kan and Phu Yen provinces.
The Standing Vice President and Vice President of Hai Duong province gave their support by hosting the workshop. In addition, the Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, as well as the Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs also took part in the workshop.
At the workshop, the delegates evaluated activities held over the past five years and discussed what activities would be implemented in the coming year. As part of the discussion, participants reflected on what had changed in the 15 years since the Law on Gender Equality had been implemented. The workshop concluded by discussing issues related to society, the economy and employment, as well as how unions can develop women officials at all levels.
Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).