Vietnam Women's Union

Project 8: Scaling up to ensure “No One Left Behind”

26/05/2025

After five years of implementation, phase I (2021-2025) of Project 8 “Realizing gender equality and addressing urgent problems for women and children". has achieved significant results. The project has basically fulfilled its four key focus areas, with 8 out of 9 core targets met or exceeded, contributing to a marked shift in awareness of people in extremely disadvantaged communes and villages.

On May 20, 2025, the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) held a closing conference for the Project 8 With the participation of nearly 400 delegates, the event was attended by Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Member of the Party Central Committee and VWU President.

Project 8 is one of 10 components of the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas, with the VWU as the lead agency. It focuses on raising awareness, combating gender stereotypes, improving the well-being of women and children, and promoting gender equality.

Key achievements

VWU Vice President Nguyen Thi Minh Huong speaks at the conference

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, VWU Vice President, a number of the Project targetshave significantly exceeded expectations. These include the establishment of Community Communication Groups (115.5%), Community Trusted Addresses (231%), “Leaders of Change” Clubs (113%), and capacity-building programs for ethnic minority female staffs (208%).

Students from “Leaders of Change” Clubs

Notably, over 7,000 mothers in 10 provinces with high home-birth rates have received safe childbirth support through four support packages. The VWU has also proposed new policies to support travel and maternal care to ensure better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

At the conference, delegates shared implementation lessons and proposed solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Project 8. The project’s models have been recognized for their positive impact in promoting gender equality and addressing urgent social issues at the grassroots level.

Fostering a spirit of proactive change

Looking ahead to the 2026-2030 phase, the VWU will continue to propose solutions that expand impact, inspire proactive change among women and communities, and foster cross-sector cooperation in promoting gender equality and addressing urgent social issues affecting women and children.

Overview of the conference

These efforts will also focus on maintaining and promote successful models from Phase I to fulfill the goal “No one left behind” and successfully implement the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2021–2030.

30 collectives and individuals were honored at the event for their outstanding contributions to the implementation of Project 8 in its first phase.