Sharings about gender equality promotion in Vietnam and Spain

VWU President Ha Thi Nga warmly welcomed Spanish Ambassador Carmen Cano De Lasala to visit the VWU. She said that the year 2024 is an important year for Vietnam and Spain, marking the 15^th anniversary of strategic partnership towards the future (2009 - 2024) and 47^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Vietnam always values and is determined to work with Spain to elevate the future-oriented strategic partnership to a new, in-depth and practical stage of development, thus contributing to economic recovery and sustainable development.

Through the Ambassador, Ms. Nga expressed her thanks to the Spanish Government and people for their support to Vietnamese women and VWU through development projects which contributed to promoting gender equality, women leadership, women’s economic empowerment and domestic violence prevention in Vietnam.

Ms. Ha Thi Nga (on the left) shares about Vietnamese women and VWU’s activities.

At the meeting, Ms. Ha Thi Nga said that Vietnamese women are present in all areas of life, including many difficult areas such as women in peacekeeping forces (with 16%, higher than the average percentage of 10%). The participation of women in politics is improving with 30.26% of 15th National Assembly deputies; 29% upwards of People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2021-2026 term. Female workers make up 49.04% of the total labor force. The proportion of female directors, business owners, and cooperatives accounts for nearly 30%. Women are also the main force in the fields of education, training, health sector, labor and social relief activities.

Ms. Nga also shared about VWU’s organizational structure, mission and tasks for the term 2022-2027 as well as its priorities in 2024 including support for women in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, cooperatives development and international integration, etc.

Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala (in the middle) at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, the Ambassador was very impressed with VWU’s activities such as encouraging women and girls to participate in the field of science and technology, domestic violence prevention and combat... She also shared about gender equality promotion in Spain. In March 2023, the Spanish Government passed the Equal Representation Law requiring more equal representation of women and men in politics, business and other spheres of public life.

Ms. Ha Thi Nga was very impressed and appreciated Spain's efforts to promote gender equality and empower women. She expressed that the Vietnam Women's Union would like to continuously receive support from Spain to implement its programs and activities for gender equality and women development in Vietnam. Through the Ambassador, the VWU wishes to connect with women and gender equality organizations in Spain for experience sharings and potential cooperation in the coming time.

Translated by VWU International Relations Dept.