Female workers and the role of trade unions in protecting their legitimate rights and interests were the focus of discussion at a workshop in Hanoi on July 24.

Jointly held by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) on the occasion of the 85 th founding anniversary of the VGCL (July 28), the event attracted representatives of 17 trade union organisations under the WFTU.

Participants at the workshop discussed measures to promote legitimate rights and interests of female workers, and strengthen coordination between the national trade union organisation and the WFTU as well as its members.

In his speech, VGCL President Dang Ngoc Tung said that according to the United Nations Development Programme, Vietnam ranks first in Southeast Asia in implementing gender equality. However, he pointed to several disadvantages still suffered by women, particularly in salary, working conditions, and training and promotion opportunities.

To deal with this matter, the Vietnamese Government has adopted many important policies, including the 2011-2020 National Strategy on Gender Equality, the National Action Programme on the prevention of domestic violence to 2020 and the 2011-2020 National Action Plan for Vietnamese Children, he said.

Issues on female workers are also included to in the Labour Code and the Trade Union Law.-VNA