PM Nguyen Tan Dung meets female NA deputies (Source: VNA)How to enhance the participation of women in politics was the main focus of a workshop co-hosted by the Vietnamese Women's Union (VWU) and the Asia Foundation in Hanoi on August 25.
The event brought together representatives from Government agencies, political parties, international and non-governmental organisations, societies operating for gender equality, domestic researchers from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, the US, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands.
Gender equality in political activities and full participation of women in making decision are key factors to promote gender equality in all fields. The proportion of female members participating in parliaments in particularly and in politics in general is considered a norm to evaluate and compare the level of gender equality among nations. Ensuring equal attendance in the political field is necessary for prosperity and sustainable development in any country.
Apart from socio-economic achievements, Vietnam has reaped progresses in ensuring gender equality. The country has implemented commitments in the field and has completed a number of millennium development goals (MDGs), including the goal of gender equality.
Vietnamese women’s role and position have been improved, especially women’s participation in politics.
Resolution No 11-NQ/TW dated April 27, 2007 set a target of at least 25 percent of the rate of women in the Party committees at all levels and those in the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels is between 35 percent and 40 percent by 2020.
The VWU, with the role as a socio-political organisation working to protect the right and interest of women, is making every effort to address issues such as how to increase the rate of female staff holding high positions and raise the voice of women in politics.
At the workshop, participants shared experience and initiatives of legislative bodies, Governmental agencies, research institutes and individuals in promoting the involvement of women in political activities in general and in elected bodies in particular.
They also discussed necessary measures to increase the rate of women joining the National Assembly, People’s Councils.-VNA
