Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) –The International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists - Asia and Pacific Nation Network (INWES-APNN) opened its eighth annual meeting in Hanoi on October 18, drawing over 200 female scientists from Asia-Pacific and representatives from the UN, international organisations and some ministries and agencies of Vietnam.
Opening the event, President of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha said that the country has persisted in sustainable development goals, defining science and technology as the leading national policy, and designing policies to promote gender equality and facilitate female scientists.
Women made up 43 percent of total postgraduates and 21 percent of PhDs in 2014, while accounting for 24.6 percent of professors and assistant professors in the 2012-2016 period.
Many scientific researches by women have been applied in the reality, contributing to improving people’s living conditions, noted Ha.
However, she also pointed to the modest number of women engaging in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, stressing the need for the whole society to improve the situation.
During the three-day event, participants will discuss three topics – gender and gender equality in science and technology; nutrition and food safety; and disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
They are scheduled to approve a Hanoi Declaration showing the vision and determination of the INWES-APNN in promoting the engagement and contributions of women in science and technology.
On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition is beeing held to introduce innovative products of Vietnamese women.
Established in 2011, INWES is a global network of organisations for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), reaching over 60 countries worldwide with 250,000 members, and a UNESCO partner. Along with APNN, INWES includes INWES-Europe and INWES-Africa. –VNA
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