Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie (Photo: Australian Embassy)

In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the Australian Ambassador praised the representation of women in the Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnam’s achievements in promoting gender equality. The Gender Equality Law 2006 is an excellent example of the commitment shown by the Government of Vietnam to this cause, she added.

Ms. Mudie said there is scope for Vietnamese women to make more of a mark, and to be present in even greater numbers, especially as Ministers, Vice Ministers and in senior positions in government departments.

She said promoting women’s economic empowerment has been a longstanding priority of Australia’s relationship with Vietnam. Over the past five years, supporting women in business has been central to Australia’s diplomatic and development cooperation with Vietnam, she said, adding that this shows the belief that greater equality will help Vietnam in its transition to an inclusive, upper middle-income economy.

"Australia is undertaking the work because it supports the stability and prosperity of Vietnam, which is one of our most valuable regional partners”, Ambassador Mudie noted.