The UN Economic and Social Council on April 9, 2024 elected Vietnam to the Executive Board of the UN Agency for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the 2025-2027 tenure. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

From January 2025 to the end of 2027, Vietnam will be involved in UN Women’s policy-making and implementation of orientations to ensure that the agency’s strategies and activities are consistent with the UN’s overall goals and policies on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

As a member of the Executive Board, Vietnam will participate in approving UN Women's plans, programs, and administrative, financial, and budgetary decisions.

Vietnam maintains drivers to promote gender equality for many years

Vietnam has attached special importance to ensuring gender equality and the advancement of women and has gained remarkable achievements in this regard. Vietnam has been one of the fastest to eliminate gender gaps over the past 20 years, and one of the countries that have completed the 3rd Millennium Development Goal on gender equality ahead of schedule.

According to the UN Women, Vietnam has made four notable achievements toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

First, Vietnam has strengthened its policy and legal framework on gender equality, including the 2017 Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the 2022 Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence, and the 2019 Labor Code

Second, Vietnam has promoted women's participation in politics at the 15^th National Assembly elections in 2021. The percentage of female National Assembly deputies is 30%, the highest percentage since 1976, and higher than the global average of 25%.

Third, Vietnam has one of the highest percentages of women in the workforce in the world. Approximately 72% of women are involved in the labor force, compared with 82% of men.

Finally, Vietnam adopted the National Action Program on Women, Peace, and Security in January and surpassed the goal of strengthening women’s role and participation in peacekeeping operations.

In the Global Gender Gap Report published by the World Economic Forum in 2023 Vietnam's world ranking in gender equality rose from 83^rd to 72^nd out of 146 countries. In Vietnam female leaders and managers are increasing in quantity and quality.

Ha Thi Nga, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union, said: “Female leaders and managers at all levels are getting younger, and are constantly improving their capacity to perform their jobs and gain the trust of the leaders and the public. Women have promoted women's voices at the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels.”

Ha Thi Nga, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union (photo: dangcongsan.vn)

Vietnam fulfills its role in UN Women

During the 2025-2027 term, UN Women will adopt a new global strategy to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals that focuses on gender equality.

Caroline Nyamayamombe, Chief Representative of UN Women Vietnam, said that with the achievements and experience of a country with a diverse population and unique social culture, Vietnam will contribute its profound perspectives on promoting gender equality to UN Women. Vietnam can share its own journey and inspire many other countries on related issues. She said these contributions are invaluable in supporting innovative approaches and collaborations to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Vietnam's readiness to promote gender equality was shown in Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s presentation at the 68^th meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women in March in New York last month.

Mrs. Xuan said: “Throughout history, women have always been the messengers of peace and charity, an indispensable and decisive force in all processes of peace, security, social progress, and development. In the current situation, with many difficulties and challenges, the great potential of women should be strongly promoted and realized with adequate commitments and resources. In this process, Vietnam is ready to cooperate closely with other countries and international organizations to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, thereby contributing to building a better world of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.”

The consensus of all ECOSOC members to elect Vietnam to the UN Women Executive Council on April 9^th demonstrated international recognition and appreciation for Vietnam’s policies and achievements in gender equality and Vietnam's international cooperation. This is an opportunity for Vietnam to make greater contributions to UN Women.