Election of Vietnam’s first female legislative leader
 Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is elected National Assembly Chairwoman (photo: Hoang Long - vietnamnet) |
Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is the first female to occupy one of Vietnam’s top 4 positions. At her swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, she vowed to be loyal to the nation, the people, and the Constitution.
Public support
National Assembly deputies applauded the election of the new National Assembly Chairwoman. Cao Thi Xuan, a permanent member of the National Assembly’s Council of Ethnic Affairs, said she expects the Chairwoman will initiate legislative reforms to meet voters’ aspirations. Duong Trung Quoc, a deputy for Dong Nai province, said he hopes the new Chairwoman will lead the National Assembly to resolve socio-economic and international integration challenges while showing her resolute determination in national defense. Do Van Duong, a deputy for Ho Chi Minh city, says: “The Chairwoman’s oath is concise and meaningful. I hope she will do her utmost to lead the National Assembly to fulfill its task as the highest representative of the people and the most powerful state agency.”
Foreign media have commented positively on the election of Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. AFP noted that, for the first time, Vietnam has elected a woman as its top legislator, and one of its top 4 leaders. Singapore’s Channel News Asia (CNA) called Madam Ngan a senior leader of good reputation. The French Liberation newspaper said Madam Ngan received 472 out of 481 votes by National Assembly deputies, who are mostly men. The newspaper also reported that 25% of National Assembly deputies are female and many of them hold high positions in the administration. The RTBF and 7/7 newspapers of Belgium covered the election of Madam Ngan and the New York Times said Madam Ngan was elected to this position for her professionalism and leadership, as well as her elegant manner. India’s NDTV praised the election of Madam Ngan as a sound strategic decision.
Evidence of gender equality
The election of National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan illustrates Vietnam’s policy of gender equality. Le Nhu Tien, a deputy for Quang Tri province, says the role of women has been acknowledged in national leadership. He supports the policy of increasing the percentage of female deputies to 30%. Bui Thi An, a deputy for Ha Noi, said: “It’s a giant step forward for gender equality in Vietnam. We are proud that Madam Ngan was elected National Assembly Chairwoman.”
Chairwoman Ngan affirmed her determination and sense of responsibility before the National Assembly: “I’ll always keep in mind my oath to fulfill the duties specified by law. I will work with the National Assembly Standing Committee to lead the National Assembly as the highest representative agency of the people and the most powerful state agency of Vietnam.”
