Scene at the launching ceremony (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) HCM City (VNA) – The Ministry ofLabour, Invalids and Social Affairs held a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City onNovember 4 to launch a national action month for gender equality and to tackle abuseagainst women and girls.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Labour,Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Hong Lan said gender inequality andgender-based violence is an issue across regions and social classes.
She noted the action month calls forconcerted efforts from public agencies, organisations and the community, particularlymale citizens, to implement the national goals on gender equality andprotection of girls and women from violence.
Responding to the launch, Vice Chairman ofthe Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem stated the southern city will enhanceits gender policies, particularly on the improvement of living standards forfemale residents.
Elisa Fernandez, head of office at the UNWomen Vietnam, said violence against women and girls is a prolonged humanrights problem despite economic and social progress.
She pointed to a survey that showed 87percent women encountering sexual abuse in public spaces do not speak out or seekhelp due to a lack of support services.
The UN representative also urged the removalof gender stereotypes.
Earlier, a photo exhibition on women tookplace at the local Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in District 1, featuring aflashmob, a household chore contest for men, and a painting competition on asafe city for women and girls. -VNA
VNA
