Lam Dong (VNA) - The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) Central Committee held a meeting at Lam Vien Da Lat Square in Lam Dong province on November 28 to mark the 2025 Action Month for Gender Equality and the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence, with the participation of around 600 delegates.
The theme for this year’s action month is gender equality and safety for women and girls in the digital era, reflecting the context in which Vietnam recently hosted the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention) (October 25–26, 2025).
According to the organisers, amidst rapid digital transformation, women and girls have more opportunities for education, work, social interaction, and networking. However, this also poses risks, making them potential victims of various forms of harassment and violence in the online environment.
According to statistics, as of January 2025, Vietnam had 79.8 million Internet users, equivalent to 78.8% of the population, of whom 75.2% have social media accounts. Notably, among social media users, the proportion of women is slightly higher than men (51.2% female compared to 48.8% male). Since the beginning of 2025, authorities have handled more than 50 cases of “online abduction,” all targeting victims aged 18–22, with 90% being female.
Vice President of the VWU Central Committee Nguyen Thi Minh Huong said that the Women’s Unions at all levels will continue promoting the application of information technology and digital transformation in its activities and in supporting women, while coordinating efforts to build a safe cyberspace for women and children, free from online harassment. This initiative helps ensure a non-violent, non-abusive environment and a digital space that is safe and friendly for women and girls.
Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women’s Country Representative in Vietnam, proposed three solutions for Vietnam to build a safer and more inclusive digital future for women and girls. They include continuing to improve relevant laws; promoting initiatives to enhance digital literacy, knowledge, and skills for women and girls; and fostering society-wide efforts to eliminate gender stereotypes.
At the ceremony, representatives of ministries, agencies, and international organisations discussed the current situation, international experiences, and solutions to promote gender equality and ensure the safety of women and girls in the digital era.
The event also featured an exhibition of media products on gender equality from local Women’s Union chapters, hands-on craft activities conveying gender equality messages, assembling symbols of the action month, and a street parade./.
