30 Years of Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 10 Years of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation:

Vietnam Marks Significant Milestones in Gender Equality

On March 25 in Hanoi, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union, in collaboration with the UN Women in Vietnam, organized the Intergenerational Media Forum titled “Women and Gender Equality in the New Era.” The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation.

Phan Anh

March 27, 2025 | 16:21

	Vietnam Makes Progress in Gender Equality Policies
	Vietnam Witnesses Progress in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

The forum was attended by Truong My Hoa, former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and head of the Vietnamese delegation at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995; Nguyen Thi Tuyen, President of the Vietnam Women's Union; and many leaders from ministries, agencies, and international organizations in Vietnam.

Delegates at the forum. (Photo: UN Women Vietnam)

30 years ago, in 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, with participation of 189 countries. The declaration aimed to commit to addressing the concerns and rights of women worldwide at the turn of the 21st century.

By identifying 12 critical areas for improvement to achieve gender equality, including poverty eradication, education empowerment, combating violence, and enhancing women's rights, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set clear goals and provided a concrete action plan for achieving gender equality and improving women's rights globally.

"Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has been determined to realize the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action. All 12 areas outlined in the platform have been implemented in Vietnam, yielding positive results. Notably, significant progress has been made in areas such as "Women and poverty", "Women and health", "Women and the economy", "Women and the environment", and "Girls", emphasized Nguyen Thi Tuyen, President of the Vietnam Women's Union, in her opening speech at the forum.

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Tuyen speaks at the event. (Photo: UN Women Vietnam)

During the forum, participants discussed the role of women in promoting gender equality across different eras, gender equality in Vietnam's new era, and the role of young people in advancing gender equality. Many practical and valuable recommendations were made to further enhance the role, potential, strengths, leadership, and aspirations of Vietnamese women in the new era.

Currently, the proportion of female deputies in the National Assembly remains one of the highest in the Asia-Pacific region (30.26%). Vietnamese women constitute 46.8% of the national workforce, with 62.4% of women participating in the labor force. Additionally, 28.2% of enterprises in Vietnam are owned by women. Women also represent 14.4% of Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces, higher than the UN average of 10.2%. Furthermore, Vietnam is actively promoting digital literacy, particularly for women and girls.

Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, remarked: Women's leadership is essential for peace and sustainable development. Vietnam is among the countries with the highest proportion of women in parliament in the Asia-Pacific region (30.26%). However, female representation has yet to reach the 35% target and remains low in political party leadership and public administration.

She also emphasized that greater investment in women and girls to bridge the gender gap in digital skills is crucial. This is not only vital for promoting gender equality and transforming occupational segregation but also for reaping the benefits of the growing digital economy.

With digital transformation identified as a key driver of growth under Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Vietnam must invest in digital skills training for women and girls, particularly in rural areas.

Vietnam Marks Significant Milestones in Gender Equality

UN Women Country Representative in Vietnam Caroline Nyamayemombe. (Photo: UN Women Vietnam)

Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Country Representative in Vietnam, noted: "Vietnam is in a new era - a national development. This forum inspires action to achieve gender equality in this new era."

The intergenerational forum serves as a reminder of the need to unite generations of Vietnamese citizens, both men and women, as equal partners in breaking down barriers and shaping a future free from discrimination and violence. Most importantly, it is essential to place young people, particularly young women, in leadership roles today.

Within the framework of the event, delegates also explored an exhibition titled "Women and gender equality in the new era," which showcased images and media publications highlighting achievements and challenges in gender equality efforts in Vietnam today.

Vietnam’s most significant achievement is the legal framework for gender equality

Reflecting on 30 years of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Vietnam’s most significant achievement has been the establishment of a legal and policy framework for gender equality. This includes the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on Marriage and Family. Additionally, gender mainstreaming has been mandated in the drafting of legal documents.

One notable provision requires major family assets to be registered in the names of both husband and wife. This legal advancement significantly enhances women's rights and protections, contributing to a fundamental shift in societal perceptions of women, from being dependent on their husbands to having equal legal rights. The legal framework has empowered women comprehensively and ensures gender mainstreaming in legislative processes.

Truong My Hoa, former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Head of the Vietnamese Delegation at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995

International recognition for Vietnam’s gender equality achievements

Vietnam has created a comprehensive legal framework to implement the Beijing Platform, thereby ensuring women's participation in politics and leadership roles. Additionally, international friends admire Vietnamese women for their creativity, efficiency in labor, and ability to excel both at work and at home. Vietnam’s commitment to international gender equality agreements, including the SDGs, has also received global recognition.

In the era of information technology and artificial intelligence, raising awareness and education levels among women is crucial to maximizing the benefits of scientific and technological advancements while mitigating their negative impacts on family structures. It is equally important to bridge technological gaps between urban and rural areas and among ethnic minority communities to prevent the widening of digital divides.

Furthermore, efforts should be made to strengthen women's resilience against the adverse effects of technology, ensuring that they are not left behind in the rapid development of science and technology, thereby preventing gender inequalities from worsening.

Nguyen Phuong Nga, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Former President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations

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