The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs organised a conference in Hanoi on October 10 to honour 98 female religious dignitaries and sub-dignitaries who have made outstanding contributions to the national building.

The honoured were selected from over 490 religious women who are members of the VWU’s executive committees at all levels.

Speaking at the event, VWU Central Committee President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa hailed efforts made by the female dignitaries in encouraging followers of their religions to abide by the policies of the Party and the law of the State as well as build a better life.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stressed the important role of women, including religious followers, in the national construction and development.

He expressed his wish that the VWU will launch more practical action programmes and movements that aim to draw more participation from these people in social development.

Vietnam is now home to 13 religions with nearly 24 million followers (accounting for 27 percent of the country’s population), including 83,000 dignitaries and 250,000 sub-dignitaries.

Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Caodaism are the major religions in the country.-VNA