VWU attends ACWO Board Meeting and Regional Workshop

Under the chairmanship of NCWO President, ACWO Board Meeting was attended by 9 member countries, focusing o­n two main topics, i.e. reviewing the implementation of the proposed activities in the previous Board meeting and discussing topics of the 16^th ACWO General Assembly in Malaysia, 2014. A variety of topics was proposed, including the o­ne of the VWU o­n preparation of women towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 and the ACWO’s contribution to reports o­n the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the Convention o­n the Elimination of All forms of discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration. Vietnam’s proposed topic attracted attention by many participants. Some other proposals included the strengthening of ACWO and ASEAN women’s voices o­n international arena, female leader issues, economic empowerment for women, gender equality, safe migration, prevention of trafficking in human and information technology, etc.

As proposed by VWU, the ACWO Board set time for member countries to share their updated activities. Vice President Thu Ha made a briefing about VWU main activities in law and policy formulation, giving social-counter arguments, and supporting women in economic development and building a happy family. Through ACWO, VWU hoped to link better to the regional women’s movement and integration process.

On October 31^st, the delegation attended the regional workshop o­n protection, care, repatriation and reintegration for trafficked victims. In general, there are many similarities in victim support process in ASEAN countries, from victim reception to care and services for them, such as health care, psychological counseling, school education, vocational training, job introduction, benefits, and community reintegration.In the afternoon session, delegates actively discussed the Draft ACWO Action Plan o­n human trafficking prevention, particularly the process of coordination among women's organizations in ASEAN countries to help trafficked victims repatriate and reintegrate into the community. Vietnam and Lao delegations proposed to leave the process of receiving and reintegrating trafficked victim open for each country to decide based o­n laws, regulations, and legal status of the women's organization in that country, and it was agreed upon by all participants. The ACWO Action Plan will be amended and sent to member countries by NCWO.

The meeting and workshop was an opportunity for ACWO delegates to share information and experience, and to enhance understanding, solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN women for an ASEAN community of peace, stability and development.

On this occasion, Vice President Thu Ha visited and worked with the Women Leadership Center of the National University of Malaysia (UKM), discussing cooperation opportunities related to female human resource development, research, and student exchange between the Center and the Vietnam Women's Academy.