Conference seeks ways to enhance gender equality

Hanoi (VNA) – Gender equality for the advancement of women is both a target and a factor contributing to the country’s economic development, stated Vietnam Women’s Union President Nguyen Thi Thu Ha.

Ha made the statement during a consultation conference in Hanoi on August 12 to seek measures to implement Goal 5 on gender equality of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development comprises 17 goals and 169 criteria. Goal 5, which aims to solve gender inequality and empower women and children, is also a solution for the success of other goals, thus strengthening the role of women and proving the benefit of caring for women during the development in each country, she noted.

Ha affirmed that the engagement of scientists and international organisations in mapping out orientations, solutions and mechanisms to eliminate gender inequality is significant to the building of a national plan of action for the implementation of Vietnam’s sustainable development goals.

The ideas collected during the event will also help the VWU to design measures to enhance gender equality and the union’s recommendations in realising the national plan of actions on the 2030 agenda, she said.

She noted that although women play a key role in all sustainable development goals, the income of women is much lower than that of men, while their retiring age is lower.

The ratio of women engaging in politics is still low, while women are facing many social issues such as domestic violence, sex and labour abuse, she said, stressing that a long-term strategy is crucial to deal with the matter, together with a close coordination of relevant ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam , said that the UN is working with the Vietnamese Government in making a development plan for the country in the next five years, with a highlight on gender equality.

Gender inequality in Vietnam still exists in many different forms, she said, noting that women are a more vulnerable group as they are family and children care givers. They also have less access to social welfare policies, and need more attention and investment from the Government and the whole community, she stated.

She also suggested that along with other measures to improve the situation, the country should also ensure the full and effective engagement of women in all leadership positions at all levels and policy making activities.-VNA