A network to connect men is established, for the first time ever, to call and mobilize men to work together in joint efforts to promote gender equality, end gender-based violence, and contribute to sustainable development in Vietnam, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

VNMenNet is an open forum connecting individuals and organizations in the efforts to promote gender equality and eliminate gender-based violence, as well as advance sustainable development in the country.

On the occasion of International Men's Day, the first national Men Network for Gender Equality and Sustainable Development was launched on Nov. 19 in Hanoi with the participation of more than 200 delegates both virtually and in person.

The launching ceremony marked a historic event in the efforts to promote gender equality and eliminate gender-based violence, as well as advance sustainable development in the country.

The network is an initiative by the Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS), with the sponsorship of Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Southeast Asia Hanoi office, UN Women, CARE International in Vietnam and male advocate clubs, aiming to discuss issues affecting men and propose solutions, in the efforts to promote positive masculinity and gender equality, and eliminate gender-based violence, as well as advance sustainable development in the country.

The network also aims to connect men to share experiences to address issues affecting men and join hands in community-oriented activities, particularly under the Covid-19 pandemic.

In her congratulatory speech, Acting Country Representative of UN Women in Vietnam, Gaelle Demolis emphasized that “gender equality is beneficial to all men, women, and other genders. Mobilizing men in the work of promoting gender equality is one of the strategic priorities of UN Women at the global level and in Vietnam” and as such she promised that UN Women will continue supporting the Network in the future.

“..It is of great essence that we, men, stand up against gender-based violence, not just in conferences and networks, but also in our daily life,” shared by Philip Degenhardt, regional director of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung SEA in Hanoi at the launching ceremony.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu, director of Hanoi Medical University, interim president of VNMENNET.

Speaking at the launching, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Lan Hieu, director of Hanoi Medical University, interim president of VNMENNET, shared that in the traditional view, men are always the cause of inequality between men and women. However, we condemn men's acts of violence against women, but now we need a change of prejudice.

"The model of a successful man is mentally strong, having a successful job, managing and leading the family, while a woman must be a solid supporter, taking care of the family. However, today's young people have adopted a more progressive perspective. Why should men follow the traditional model? We need to promote a positive male model, honor men's contributions, and promote the male spirit towards common equality between genders," said Hieu.

Dang Hoa Nam, head of the Department of Children, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs at the launching ceremony.

Sharing the problems men are facing, Dang Hoa Nam, head of the Department of Children, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, wishes to connect all individuals and organizations to remove pressures and determinations. gender equality in order to bring into full play the potential of men.

"Many studies have provided evidence that to change gender stereotypes, it is necessary to develop the socio-economics of a country. Do not put too much pressure on men in both social issues and families’ breadwinners. Create favorable conditions for both men and women. Women and men should be able to develop equally," Nam stressed.

Born and raised in the mountainous province of Dien Bien, Cam Van Truong has actively participated in gender equality projects. The hometown where he lives is 100% ethnic minorities, they face many limitations in information, rarely participate in activities to raise awareness and prevent gender violence.

"We are very pleased when the project reaches remote areas. Through those projects on gender equality, many men told us: From now on, I help my wife with housework such as cooking and washing dishes. That is a common job of both husband and wife. While another man recalled when he drank until drunk, he couldn't control his temper so he beat up his wife and children. But now he doesn't drink anymore. We've seen their stories as a shift in gender equality."

Having met and consulted with many men in gender equality projects, Dr. Hoang Tu Anh, chairman of the Network for the Prevention and Response of Gender Violence (GBVNet) in Vietnam, found that men are currently is very lonely and in crisis, both physically and mentally.

She pointed out women are being stereotyped, but they receive a lot of education from children, from mothers, from schools. But men do not have such gender education, they do not receive the sharing from their father to become a man in the future. They don't know what model they follow, they have to find a way to go on their own. Men are taught not to express their feelings, they have no way to release it, so many cases lead to violence.

The launching ceremony of the network is an activity that contributes to the National Action Month on Gender Equality and Gender Based Prevention and Response of 2021 (Nov. 15 - Dec. 15) in Vietnam as well as UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign’s Initiative for 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (Nov. 25 - Dec.10).

All network activities will be updated on the Network’s website and Facebook page at https://diendannamgioi.org.vn/ and VNMENNET. In addition, the network’s activities will also be updated on ISDS’s website and fanpage at www.isds.org.vn and https://www.facebook.com/isdsvn

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