Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a serious human rights violation and has harmful socio-economic consequences. According to the national survey on violence against Women in Vietnam conducted by the GSO and supported by the UN in Vietnam, in 2010, 58% of ever-married women aged from 18-60 have experienced violence at least once in their lives. Notably, up to 87% do not seek any support from public service providers.
The study, funded by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, confirmed that violence against women is a serious problem. However, this is only the figure on violence against women within family settings.
Photo: Binh Chau
Addressing the event, Mr. Pham Ngoc Tien, Director General of Gender Equality Department of MOLISA said: "In order to develop appropriate, effective and practical policies, apart from staff's capacity, we need reliable data and information as evidence for guiding and building laws and policies. I also hope that the data collected from this survey will continue to be further analyzed to understand different effects of violence on the country's socio-economic development. The data collected will be very helpful for policy-makers, programmers at national and provincial levels, Government agencies, social organizations, services providers for Gender-Based Violent (GBV) survivors, communities and people in the society".
Mr. Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam spoke: "Data on women and girls’ experience of violence is the critical first step in providing a just and adequate response to the problem. Most importantly, it also shows women and girls that we believe them, and that we have the courage to address this hidden harm".
Photo for illustration
The nation made good progress on its gender equality targets under Millennium Development Goal 3. Its national legal framework for gender equality and women’s empowerment has been strengthened. However, prevalence of VAWG remains high and poorly addressed. Therefore, the study will allow for reliable estimates of key indicators on violence against women and girls for the six economic-geographical regions, for urban and rural areas, for Kinh and non-Kinh populations, and for the entire country.
While Ms. Astrid Bant, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam shared that this second national survey will help related agencies to collect up-to-data and measure the impact of joint efforts in ending violence against women and girls in the last decade.
The survey, with technical assistance of UNFPA in Vietnam, will be implemented by GSO in this March. MOLISA will be the leading agency in coordinating this mission, as well as in disseminating the results in early 2019, and advocating for using data in the development, implementation and monitoring the VAWG related programs and policies in Vietnam./.
“Let's work together towards a Vietnam where no woman should have to live in fear, no matter where she is, and where all women are treated with dignity and respect".