At the meeting, VWU Vice President introduced about the VWU’s structure, its key tasks, activities and outstanding achievements in assisting women in various areas, especially in advising, proposing and participating in the formulation of policies and laws o­n women and gender equality; women’s participation in leadership and politics; human trafficking prevention and control..., thus implementing well VWU representative function, taking care of and protecting legal rights and legitimate interests of Vietnamese women, contributing to their development and advancement. The Vice President also shared that there still exist issues requiring the VWU’s continuous efforts such as the gap in retirement age between men and women.

Taking this opportunity, VWU Vice President showed high appreciation to the French Government and French partner organizations for their valuable support and assistance over the past years for the VWU, poor and disadvantaged Vietnamese women and children.

Ms.Hélène Conway-Mouret showed her happiness to visit the VWU and expressed her warm congratulations o­n the occasion of 85^th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the coming 85^th anniversary of the VWU. She was impressed with the contributions of the VWU as well as Vietnamese women to the country’s development. She found VWU campaign “Building the family of 5 Without-s and 3 Clean-s” a good model for France to adapt and apply.

She also shared that France has achieved some progress o­n gender equality after the Gender Equality Law was approved, particularly the current proportion of women in the Senate (upper house) is 29%, in the National Assembly (lower house) is 27%; and the number of male and female ministers is equal. However, there are still issues to be addressed such as women's right to use contraceptives, equal payment for men and women, women’s participation in business management and leadership, domestic violence...

The French Senator expressed her hope to have the opportunity to meet VWU representatives for further exchanging and sharing information and experience o­n issues of mutual concern.