Campaign helps raise public awareness of gender equality

Hanoi (VNA) – A series of activities were organised nationwide during an action month for gender equality and fight against gender-based violence, contributing to raising public awareness of gender equality, an official has said.

Speaking at conference to review the implementation of the month in Hanoi on December 15, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Hong Lan said the campaign helped spread a strong message calling for gender equality and the termination of violence against women and girls.

Lan called for more enduring efforts, especially commitments on budget for the work

She stressed the Ministry will continue joining hands with domestic and international organisations to fine-tune policies and laws, and perform programmes and projects on gender equality and fight against gender-based violence, towards building a civilised, progress, equal and safe society.

Shoko Ishikawa, Chief Representative of the UN agency on gender equality and empowerment of women (UN Women) in Vietnam highlighted the significance of the activity, expressing her hope that the United Nations in Vietnam will continue the partnership with the Vietnamese Government, civil social organisations and development partners in the work, thus bringing justice to victims of violence.

At the conference, representatives from several ministries, sectors, localities, non-governmental and international organisations shared experience in implementing the campaign.

On the occasion, a number of organisations and individuals were presented with insignias for their good performance and contributions to activities during the month.

Girl children are not only the victims of domestic violence but also human trafficking, sexual abuse and violence from outside the family. A national survey on domestic violence against women and children reported that there was an average of 1,000 cases of girl child sexual abuse every year.

Themed “Joining hands to remove violence against women and girl children”, the month-long campaign, starting from November 15, aims to encourage the involvement of agencies, organisations and people in efforts to ensure gender equality and prevent violence against women and girl children.-VNA