Leaders praise women’s remarkable achievements

The Party leader was speaking at the 10th National Women’s Congress which opened at the National Convention Centre o­n October 2 with the participation of nearly 1,200 outstanding women from all parts of the country.

He emphasised the union’s role in making recommendations concerning women’s advancement and gender equality to the Party and State.

The development of women’s movements together with its recorded achievements are very important for the nation in the o­n-going renovation process, he said.

During the renovation process, Vietnamese women are closely united and very active in upholding their fine traditions and good qualifications to make a positive contribution to successfully implementing socio-economic development targets, as well as maintaining political stability and national security, Mr Manh stressed.

“The VNWU must strive to become a bridge between the Party and the people, helping the implementation of the Party and State’s national unity policy,” the Party leader said.

The union must care for the living conditions of women and children, thus helping bring their potential into full play to make their best contributions to the country, he added.

The Party leader also agreed with the goals, tasks and solutions of women’s movements and the union’s action plan for the 2007-2010 term.

He asked the union chapters at all levels to focus o­n implementing issues related to raising women’s awareness of advancement and gender equality, fighting against discriminatory treatment of women, perfecting and implementing the legal system and policies o­n gender equality, especially the law o­n gender equality, and creating favourable conditions for women to progress in society.

He noted that there should be a mechanism for all women to participate in formulating and implementing law-regulated documents, strategies, programmes and projects at national and local levels.

The union chapter at all levels should continue to renovate the content and form of operation, considering this an important strategy in the new development stage so that they can gather women o­n the basis of democratic and voluntary practice, the Party leader added.

On behalf of the Party Central Committee, Mr Manh presented Vietnamese women a hanging with the words “Vietnamese women are united, creative, equal and progressive in contributing to boosting the country’s renovation process.”

Ha Thi Khiet, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VNWU), delivered a report, saying that the congress have a deep impact o­n the development of women’s movements and the union’s activities during the international integration and comprehensive development period.

The congress will consider the amendment of the union’s rules in line with its new tasks in the current period of national development.

In her opening speech, Ha Thi Khiet, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) highlighted the great contributions by Vietnamese women to effectively implementing socio-economic development targets.

Vietnamese women have matured in every field while their academic knowledge, professional skills and family role have improved considerably ensuring they enjoy a good material and physical life and other legitimate interests, she said.

During the past few years, the VWU has played its leading role in women’s movements, and helped the Party and State issue a number of strategic policies and laws o­n women and gender equality.

Notably, the VWU has launched many practical activities to help and protect women living in remote and mountainous areas.

On this occasion, the VWU received the Independence Order, first class and the VWU Central Committee the Labour Order, first class, the highest awards in recognition of their great achievements.

The congress will make decisions o­n major issues which will deeply impact o­n the development of women’s movements and the union’s activities in the period of international integration and comprehensive development. It will also assess the recorded achievements and draw valuable experiences from women’s movements and other practical activities in the previous tenure, and set orientations, tasks and solutions for the next term.

The congress will consider and make amendments to the statues of the Vietnam Women’s Union and elect a new Central Committee for the 2007-2012 term, before coming to a close o­n October 4.

* o­n the same day, State President Nguyen Minh Triet received 110 representatives of delegates who are attending the congress.

President Triet stressed that the Party, State and people highly valued the role of Vietnamese women and the contributions of the Women’s Union.

Vietnamese women play an indispensable role in the country’s social development, he said adding that the entire nation expected the congress would initiate measures to enable women to make greater contributions to national development.

He said he hoped that the union would be a true and close friend for women across the country.

He urged women nationwide to make continual efforts to improve their knowledge and abilities to meet the new requirements in the international integration process.

He also suggested that the Vietnam Women’s Union diversify activities to attract the participation of female overseas Vietnamese as well as strengthen staff training from grass root levels.