Vietnamese women in new era – drivers for national development

Since its founding on October 20, 1930, the VWU has played an indispensable role in the nation’s revolutionary journey. The establishment of Vietnam Women’s Day, officially recognised in 2010 by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, underscores the Party’s enduring commitment to honouring women’s contributions to the country’s development.

Party General Secretary To Lam presents the first-class Labour Order to the Vietnam Women’s Union on the occasion of its 95th founding anniversary in Hanoi on October 2, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Women’s major contributions across areas

From the earliest days of the establishment of the VWU, the Party recognised women as a crucial force in the revolutionary cause and in national construction.

Today, in the era of renovation and global integration, Vietnamese women have continued to make remarkable contributions across all sectors. Their achievements have brought glory to the country, just as President Ho Chi Minh once said, that the beauty of Vietnam was embroidered by women, young and old alike.

Vietnamese women have been making significant contributions across all fields. (Photo: VNA)

On the political front, the number of women holding leadership and management roles has steadily increased, reflecting women’s growing mettle and roles in working out policies for national development.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan delivers a pre-recorded address to the fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum. (Photo: VNA)

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, as of December 31, 2023, women held key positions in 14 of 30 ministries and ministry-level agencies, accounting for 46.67%. Women made up 14.29% of key leadership positions in these agencies.

Female representation at the National Assembly (NA) has also grown. The 14th NA had 132 female deputies (26.88%), while the 15th tenure saw 151 (30.26%), including 36 full-time female deputies.

Vietnam among top 10 performers in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. (Illustration: VNA)

This is a vivid demonstration for the Party and State’s sound policies on gender equality.

Regarding economic development, women now account for more than half of the country’s labour force, with a participation rate of 62.4% in the first quarter of 2025. They are present in every field, from agriculture and industry to service and high-tech sectors. 

Female entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and leaders have become shining examples, helping elevate Vietnam’s global standing. In the photo: Vietnamese delegates at a conference of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists – Asia and Pacific Nation Network (INWES-APNN) in Hanoi on October 4, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Many female entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and managers have become exemplary models, contributing to advancing Vietnam’s global profile. The startup movement among women has developed, demonstrating the intelligence, courage, and creativity of Vietnamese women in the digital age.

Women have affirmed their pivotal role in the country’s science – technology development. They are not only dedicated researchers and educators but also trailblazers in such advanced sectors as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, new materials, renewable energy, and modern medicine. Many scientists have been honoured with prestigious prizes like the Kovalevskaia Prize, the International Awards L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science, and the Vietnam Women’s Awards, celebrating their excellence and contributions in the new era.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the 2024 Kovalevskaia Award, which is dedicated to female scientists, in Hanoi on March 8, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

The 2024 Kovalevskaia Award was presented to Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Minh Tan from Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Associate Professor Dr Dang Thi My Dung from the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. They were honoured for their outstanding achievements in scientific research and practical applications, contributing to the development of their units and respective fields. Many of their research results have been successfully implemented in practice, with technology transfers worth billions of VND to enterprises in Vietnam.

In culture and education, women play a pivotal role in nurturing knowledge, shaping character, and passing on traditional values. In the photo: Quang Thi Xuan, a Thai ethnic woman acting as Vice Principal of the Muong Lan Semi-boarding Primary School for Ethnic Students in Sop Cop border commune, Son La province. (Photo: VNA)

In the fields of culture and education, women remain a cornerstone in nurturing knowledge, virtue, and traditional values, and building prosperous and happy Vietnamese families. Female educators, researchers, and artists not only elevate the nation’s intellect but also enrich its spiritual and cultural life.

Among the 12 outstanding individuals honoured at the Vietnam Women’s Awards 2025, five were recognised for their excellence in scientific research, affirming the society’s appreciation and recognition of women’s intelligence and creativity.

The Vietnam Women’s Award Ceremony 2024 in Hanoi on October 12, 2024 (Photo: VNA)

Established in 2002, the Vietnam Women’s Awards are among the highest honours of the Vietnam Women’s Union, annually recognising excellent individuals and collectives across sectors, including economy, education, health, agriculture, scientific research, state management, national defence, arts, culture, and sports. To date, 107 collectives and 206 individuals have been honoured.

Vietnamese women have demonstrated their talent on the international stage, with many serving as diplomats, scientists, athletes, and artists. Their contributions have played a significant role in promoting Vietnam’s image and enhancing its global standing. Their active participation in regional and global forums reflects the country’s growing confidence and strong integration into the world.

Empowering Vietnamese women in new era

In his speech at the ceremony commemorating the 95th founding anniversary of the VWU, receiving a first-class Labour Order, and presenting the 2025 Vietnamese Women’s Award, as well as the fifth National Emulation Congress of the VWU in Hanoi on October 2, Party General Secretary To Lam underscored the Party and State’s consistent policy of promoting substantive gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, and science and technology.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the ceremony to mark the 95th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union

He stated that Vietnamese women in the new era should be characterised by “Patriotism – Independence – Courage – Compassion – Intelligence – Creativity – Responsibility – Digital Transformation – Green Transition”, encouraging the establishment of at least one women-led livelihood or cooperative project in every province and city.

Vietnamese women will be truly a revolutionary force, a driver for development, and a foundation of happiness by 2030 with a vision to 2045, he underscored.

Both opportunities and challenges are awaiting Vietnamese women in the digital era. To become a true driving force for development, they must continuously improve their knowledge, digital skills, and international integration, while preserving the noble virtues of Vietnamese women.

The celebration of the Vietnamese Women’s Day and the 95th anniversary of the VWU is an opportunity to honour women’s contributions while affirming the Party and State’s determination to empower women in the new era. They are not only the solid rear of families but also a pioneering force and powerful driver for the country’s rapid and sustainable development./.