UNDP workshop seeks to increase women’s participation in political, social activities
Hanoi (VNA) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a workshop in Hanoi on October 19 focusing on Vietnamese women’s participation in political activities and their initiatives for Vietnam’s development.
Organised on the occasion of the Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20), the seminar saw the attendance of several National Assembly deputies and representatives from relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, institutes, social organisations and development partners.
According to UNDP, when it comes to women in political decision-making, Vietnam has in place an adequate legal framework to ensure gender equality in political and public life.
UNDP cited the
2022 World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report as saying that Vietnam scores 0.705 on a scale
from 0 to 1 in terms of gender gap index, ranking 83rd out of 146
countries, improving its position from 87th in 2021. In
the 2021 elections, the proportion of female National Assembly deputies
increased to 30.26%, the first time that Vietnam crossed the critical threshold
identified as necessary for women to have a visible impact on decision-making
process. Similarly, the proportion of female members of the People's Councils at all level also increased.
However, UNDP also pointed out that there remained limitations and challenges regarding women’s participation in political activities, particularly at the local level.
Among 812 surveyed villages in 2019, only 101 had female
leaders, accounting for 12%.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi said UNDP’s
approach is empowering women by promoting their equal participation at all
levels.
On the occasion, UNDP debuted the first podcast
entitled “Descendants of Hai Ba Trung” featuring how today's generation of
women uphold the tradition of Hai Ba Trung, with an indomitable, resilient
spirit, constantly creatively responding to the challenges of the new era,
including climate change crisis./.