(VOVworld) – A meeting in response to International Day on the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25^th was held in Hanoi on Sunday. The meeting was organized by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, the Vietnam Women’s Union, and the UN Fund for Population Activities. Chairman of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union Nguyen Quoc Cuong said that the main cause of violence against women is gender inequality. He said that men play a very important role in exercising gender equality and eliminating violence against women: “Representing farmers nationwide, who account for 70% of the population, the Vietnam Farmers’ Union is committed to continuing communication and encouraging its members to improve their knowledge. We will continue to implement state laws, particularly the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence. We call on the entire society to work together to eliminate violence against women and girls.”

National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu said that Vietnam was among the first countries in the region that formulated laws and policies to promote gender equality and eliminate violence against women. He said: “I ask the relevant ministries and political and social organizations to strengthen cooperation in enforcing the laws on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. Efforts should be made in communication and awareness-raising activities targeting men in the prevention of domestic violence and violence against women and girls.”

Hundreds of the Hanoi Farmers’ Union members took part in a march and attended an exhibition at the Vietnam Women’s Museum after the meeting.