Spain finances Viet Nam's gender equality programme

A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed in Ha Noi o­n Jan. 18 between the Viet Nam Women Union (VWU) and the Peace and Development non-governmental organisation.

The four-year programme aims at increasing women's participation in decision-making, reducing migration and prostitution, fighting women trafficking and encouraging their independence.

Consolidating women's position in society and ensuring gender equality is o­ne of the best methods to reduce hunger and poverty, said Leire PaJin, Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation. She added that Spain always supports Viet Nam's programmes relating to gender issues.

Viet Nam has the highest rate of female deputies at the National Assembly in the Asia-Pacific region, according to VWU's Vice President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa.

She highlighted progress in Viet Nam's legal system regarding gender issues, especially the passing of the Gender Equality Law. A bill o­n domestic violence is also expected to be approved this year, Hoa said.