National action month for gender equality launched

Themed "Gender equality and safety for women and girls in the digital era", the event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the UN Women.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said Viet Nam has recognized gender equality as a critical political task, reflected in its legal and policy framework to promote equality, empower women, and ensure individual rights in society.

The country ranks among the leading nations in the region in narrowing the gender gap. According to the Global Governance and Gender Index, Viet Nam ranked 39th out of 158 countries in 2024, up 32 places from 2022.

Women now make up 30.26 percent of the National Assembly, above regional and global averages, and more Vietnamese women entrepreneurs and executives are recognized by the World Economic Forum.

Gender equality and women's empowerment are among the three Millennium Development Goals Viet Nam has achieved.

UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis said, when Viet Nam advances toward becoming a high-income country by 2045, digital transformation must be inclusive, safe, and empowering for all, particularly women and girls.

She underlined the need to integrate gender into digital policies and strategies, close the digital skills gap and equip women and girls with knowledge to participate confidently online.

It is necessary to invest in digital education and training for remote and vulnerable communities, encourage girls in STEM education and careers, and work with the private sector to expand opportunities for women in leadership and tech entrepreneurship, she emphasized.

Viet Nam is actively pursuing this goal, with the UN ready to act as a partner, connector, and advocate to help realize a digital future that ensures safety, equality, and dignity for all, Tamesis concluded.

The action month has been held annually from November 15 to December 15 since 2016./.