Vietnam Women’s Innovation Day 2013 (VWID 2013), themed “Women’s Economic Empowerment”, was officially launched in Hanoi on March 13.

The launching ceremony was attended by Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, Country Director for Vietnam at the World Bank Victoria Kwakwa, and Chief Representative for UN Women Vietnam Country Office Suzette Mitchell.

Addressing the event, Hoa said Women’s Innovation Day is an opportunity for women with initiatives and efforts in economic development to share experiences and innovative solutions in management and trade.

VWID 2013 aims to identify and honour female individuals and groups for their economic innovations in the last three years. The programme also seeks and finances proposals on women’s economic empowerment.

At least 20 prizes, worth a maximum of 15,000 USD each, are expected to be presented so that more practical initiatives can be carried out.

The programme will be implemented from March until October this year. Major activities will be held on the occasion of Vietnam ’s Women Day on October 20.

They include seeking and supporting the implementation of innovative proposals on women’s economic empowerment; honouring innovations by women in economic development through exhibitions, and commendations for outstanding innovations; conferences to praise women with economic achievements, and forums to share experiences.-VNA