The Vietnamese slogan at the congress was "equality, development and peace" (Photo: VWU) Hanoi (VNA) – Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) Hoang Thi Ai Nhien led a delegation to the 16th Congress of the Women’s International Democratic Federation (WIDF) that was held in Bogota, Colombia from September 14-18.
Addressing the event, Nhien spoke highly of both spiritual and material support that the federation gave to Vietnam during the war against US invaders. She shared the achievements and difficulties that Vietnamese women are facing, including consequences left by Agent Orange/dioxin spread during the war by the US army.
The VWU’s Vice President also spoke about the challenges to peace and stability in the East Sea .
She affirmed that the VWU, as a responsible member of the federation, is willing to share its experience and foster connectivity with progressive women’s unions in the world. At the congress, the VWU donated 2,000 USD to the federation.
The Vietnamese delegation also delivered a speech on climate change at the congress debate.
Vietnam proposed that the congress issue a resolution supporting Vietnam ’s Agent Orange/dioxin victims as well as peace, stability and the conformity of international law in the East Sea . Those contents were later included in the congress’ resolution.
The Vietnamese team also had meetings with their counterparts from the Philippines , Japan , Cuba , the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , and Cyprus .
The event drew 255 delegates from 64 WIDF member organisations in 44 countries across the world.
Participants highlighted the challenges facing women currently such as wars and conflicts, food security and climate change, labourers’ rights and cultural diversity.
They showed determination to build a federation of solidarity and renovation, promoting its 70-year tradition of struggling for peace, democracy and equality for women.
The congress elected Lorena Pena from El Salvador as President of the WIDF in the 2016-2020 tenure. Participants also selected 10 vice presidents and five coordinators in Asia, Europe, Africa and Arab countries.
On the occasion, the VWU delegation also had working sessions with representatives from the Colombia President’s Office and Bogota city’s Secretariat of Women Issues.-VNA
