Vietnam-Korea women’s forum discusses gender mainstreaming in policy making

The event was part of activities to mark the 25^thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (ROK), as well as contributing to the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Women's Union (VWU) and the Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI).

Co-organised by the VWU and KWDI over the last five years, the forum has focused o­n various topics related to women’s empowerment and gender equality, such as developing female human resources, vocational training and job creation for women, creative industries, supporting the development of female enterprises, and international marriage between Vietnam and the ROK.

Continuing the success of the previous forums, this year's event targeted to share experiences and typical models in building and integrating gender-based issues in policy and legislation in each country, focusing o­n two important issues - gender impact assessment and building a friendly city for women. It also offered a chance to concerned parties to discuss and propose ways to promote and expand gender equality in a sustainable manner.

Speaking at the forum, Vice Chairwoman of the VWU Bui Thi Hoa said that Vietnam was o­ne of the first countries that signed and ratified the Convention o­n the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Gender equality was o­ne of the principles added to Vietnam's first constitution in 1946.

Over the years, the Law o­n Gender Equality has been regulated and integrated in many documents in the fields of politics, economics, finance - budget, labour - employment, education - training, healthcare, and population - family. Along with urbanisation process, the goal of civilised urban construction has been a priority, with a number of policies and activities aimed at the development of women.

According to Hoa, over the past years, the number of Vietnamese women living, studying and working in the ROK has increased steadily; the study and exchange of culture between the two countries has become indispensable.

The forum is an opportunity for the Government, the National Assembly, local authorities and organisations of the two countries to expand cooperation for the development of women in particular and sustainable development of the two peoples in general, she added.

Lee Myung Sun, Chairwoman of the KWDI appreciated the effectiveness of gender equality work after each forum. In order to successfully build an equal society, the role of policy advisory for women is very important in building a broad network of links with agencies related to women's policies in countries around the world, she stressed.

Lee Myung Sun also affirmed that, in the coming time, the Korean institute will continue to promote cooperative activities with the VWU to connect women's agencies and departments in all fields for a better future for women in both countries.

Participants at the forum shared policies and successful models at both national and local levels; outstanding policies o­n gender equality; experience in applying gender mainstreaming in the budgetary process and gender budgeting. They also discussed policies to build female friendly cities in the central city of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

According to participants, the goal of gender equality is to eliminate gender discrimination, create equal opportunities for both men and women in socio-economic development and capacity development, and ensure equality between men and women, while establishing and strengthening cooperation and support between men and women in all areas of social and family life.

Earlier o­n the same day, a cultural exchange programme took place o­n the sidelines of the forum with various activities such as folk games, traditional performances, culinary experiences and a traditional costume display put o­n by artists from both sides.
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