The Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has just released a report reviewing the 10-year implementation of the Law on Gender Equality, assessing the conformity of the Law on Gender Equality with international standards, the consistency between legal documents and the Law on Gender Equality; and the efficiency of the implementation of the Law on Gender Equality.
Diverse policies issued to help women boost economic development (Photo: VGP)
According to MOLISA Deputy Minister and Standing Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Vietnam Women Nguyen Thi Ha, after 10 years of implementing the Law on Gender Equality, many proud achievements in Vietnam's gender equality have been recognized and appreciated by the world.
Notable is the proportion of female deputies of the 14th National Assembly of 26.8%, higher than the average rate of 19% in Asian countries and 25% globally. The ratio of male and female students at all educational levels is always equal. The gender structure of Vietnam's labor force is relatively balanced with the proportion of 52.7% men and 47.3% women.
A number of improved development indicators puts Vietnam at a higher rank in the international community for gender equality. According to the Human Development Report 2019, Vietnam's human development index (HDI) is 0.63, ranking 118 out of 189 countries. With a gender development index of 1.003, Vietnam ranked 68th out of 166 countries worldwide in 2018.
However, Ms Ha also said that the implementation of gender equality in Vietnam was facing many difficulties and challenges. In fact, both men and women are affected by gender inequality, but women and girls are still the more disadvantaged groups.
Challenges in Vietnam are brought about by the impact of the global economy, the strong development of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, natural disasters and climate change, and changes in demography.
Ms. Naomi Kitahara, Chief Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam, said that during the 10 years of implementing the Law on Gender Equality, Vietnam has become one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region which has made great progress in terms of gender equality. She appreciated achievements in promoting women's rights and leadership, particularly in health and education.
According to Ms Kitahara, as one of the 17 goals for sustainable development, gender equality and women's empowerment is indispensable in all aspects of socio-economic life. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Vietnamese society./.