The participation of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) in clean water and sanitation projects is the best way to increase the involvement of women and their families, thus ensuring the project’s success, according to an Australian official.

At a workshop in Hanoi on May 15, Dr.Ann Killen, Director of New South Wales Department of Community Services ( Australia ), who has taken part in various rural development projects in Vietnam since 1997, appreciated the VWU’s role in community and society. Killen pointed out the close link between these projects’ success and women’s participation.

The VWU organised the event to share experience and strengthen cooperation among domestic and international organisations in the clean water and rural environmental sanitation sector.

Hoang Ai Nhien, the VWU’s Vice Chairwoman said over the past decade, the union’s chapters at all levels have actively taken part in various activities in this field, including the National Target Programme (NTP) on Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, and more recently, the government’s programme to build new-style rural areas.

They encouraged and helped people get access to clean water, protect the environment, use clean energy economically, collect rubbish for treatment and ways to cope with climate change.

Participants pointed out strengths and weaknesses of the VWU’s programmes and relevant activities as well as gave important recommendations to help the union develop and implement its activities in the coming time.-VNA