Striving for gender equality: Requires dedication, perseverance

At the training, Ms. Hoa informed the participants of the achievements and challenges in terms of gender equality in Vietnam; and shared some of the VWU’s learnt lessons in striving for women’s equality.

The VWU is proud to be the mass organization representing and protecting the legitimate rights of Vietnamese women. Its representation role is stipulated in the Constitution and some legal documents such as the Law o­n Gender Equality, Law o­n Election of the National Assembly and People’s Council. This gives the VWU the status to propose the women’s representation rate in the National Assembly and People’s Council; to build capacity for female candidates and to recommend qualified women to managerial and leadership positions. To date, the VWU has successfully proposed some policies for women, including reduction of the number of years having paid social insurance for the women cadres at the communal level to be eligible for pension; and maternity benefits for the poor ethnic women when giving birth to the first and second child, etc. The VWU also gives priority to the raising of awareness in society and among women o­n the role of women in family and in society.

Ms. Hoa emphasized: to have our proposals approved, we must listen to the needs and aspirations of the women, taking the advantage of the VWU’s legal status and lessons learnt in other countries, and it also requires our passion and perseverance.

Ms. Thanh Hoa also shared her experience in career development. To succeed in career, she thinks, everyone must constantly try their best, look forward, seek for assistance and sharing by family members and colleagues, and particularly to balance work and family life.

Ms. Hoa’s session was highly applauded by the participants. They shared: “Her passion to empower women in her country is fantastic. I am inspired by her to come across the fear and commit myself to fight for the right things.”, “Her story inspires us o­n what is the real meaning of public service. Courage and determination will lead to success.”, and “I learn a lot about her experience, especially as she said woman should be confident and show your ability then the men and social will accept you.” and so o­n.

VWU President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa (blue shirt) and the training participants.

Mr. Hugh Borrowman - Australian Ambassador said: "The training is an opportunity for female law-enforcement officials to share their experiences in transnational crime combat and to promote further cooperation in Asia". This training was held in Hanoi from May 25^th to June 4^th in line with the framework of the UN, the UN Convention o­n the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Beijing Platform for Action o­n women's empowerment.