Action month launched a call to end violence against women and girls

Hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the second National Action is being held from November 15 to December 15 across the nation under the theme "Joining hands to end violence against women and girls."

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of MOLISA Dao Hong Lan said that in the past years, the Government and related agencies, localities and international organisations have made great efforts in implementing gender equality and gender-based violence prevention. However, gender inequality and violence against women and girls are still present in many regions and social sectors of Vietnam.

For that reason, the continued selection of the theme for this year’s action month reaffirms the importance of mobilising strong participation of all agencies, organisations and all people in the community, especially men, in the implementation of national gender equality goals and realisation of commitments in order to put an end to violence against women and girls, the female deputy minister stated.

In response to the month, Deputy Chairman of HCM City People's Committee Le Thanh Liem affirmed that the city would continue to promote the implementation of policies o­n gender equality, focusing o­n improving the lives of women and children.

Liem also emphasised that "Joining hands to stop violence against women and girls" and "Taking actions for a safe city for women and girls" are the mottos of action that the southern economic hub will aim when building a modern civilised city with good living quality and sentiment.

Elisa Fernandez, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Country Representative in Vietnam, said that although the world has improved economically and socially, violence against women and girls remains a persistent unresolved violation of human rights. A survey in Hanoi and HCM City showed that 87% of women reported having been sexually harassed in public, but did not seek help from available services or dared not speak out. Thus, Elisa Fernandez stated that it is imperative to eliminate gender stereotypes.

Previously, o­n Saturday morning, at the Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1, a photo exhibition o­n gender equality theme opened to the public, in addition to many other activities held in parallel with a flashmob, men's competition with family work and a painting competition o­n a safe, friendly city for women and children.

Last year, the first Action Month was launched by the MOLISA, the UN in Vietnam and the Hanoi People's Committee o­n November 13, 2016.