Students in Da Nang city repond to campaign to prevent violence against women and girls (Source: UN Women)Hanoi (VNA) – Joining hands to eliminate violence against women and girls lies at the heart of an action month for gender equality launched in Hanoi on November 13.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in Vietnam, the United Nations in Vietnam , and the municipal People’s Committee, the campaign will run from November 15 to December 15, 2016.
This first-time programme seeks to call on people in the community, especially men and boys, to participate in preventing violence against women and girls.
Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam said that the policy of men and women enjoying equal rights has been pursued by the Vietnamese Party since its foundation in 1930 by late President Ho Chi Minh.
The completion of State laws and policies has brought certain outcomes in the field, he said, adding that more efforts are still needed to change the prejudice on the role and value of women as well as drive back any acts of gender-based violence.
“Women should increase their autonomy and determinedly and proactively get involved in all spheres of social life,” he said.
He called on people to join efforts to build a healthy and equal society with no one left behind.
Chief Representative of UN Population Fund Astrid Bant welcomed the Vietnamese Government for approving the national action programme on gender equality between 2016 and 2020, and adopting the annual action month for gender equality and gender-based violence prevention, saying these reconfirmed the country’s strong commitments to addressing the pressing issue.
She encouraged Vietnamese men and boys to stand up to deal with gender inequality, injustice and violence against women and girls.
During the launching ceremony, more than 300 youngsters danced in response to the campaign.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs will coordinate with relevant ministries and localities to hold policy dialogues and conduct inspections in the field while spreading the campaign’s message at schools, and sport, culture and art activities.-VNA
