Vietnam Makes Progress in Gender Equality Policies

	Vietnam Begins Term as UN Women Executive Board Member
	Vietnam Advances Its Role in Promoting Gender Equality

The conference analyzed the current state and challenges of gender equality across seven key areas including politics, leadership, and management; education, training, science, and technology; economy, labor, and employment; healthcare; family; prevention and response to gender-based violence; and adaptation to climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and environmental crises.

The research was based on a survey of 9,094 individuals across six socio-economic regions in Vietnam in 2024. The findings provide scientific evidence to assess Vietnam’s implementation of its international commitments on gender equality and offer policy recommendations to promote sustainable development.

At the conference. Photo: baohungyen.vn

Speaking at the conference, VASS President Dr. Phan Chi Hieu emphasized that promoting gender equality, particularly advancing women's rights, has always been a key priority in Vietnam’s development policies. The government has consistently implemented policies at both macro and micro levels to enhance gender equality, protect women's rights, and promote their participation in socio-economic activities.

Dr. Phan Chi Hieu noted that Vietnam is among the fastest-improving countries in narrowing the gender gap in Southeast Asia. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Vietnam ranked 72nd, an 11-place improvement from 2022. In 2024, the country maintained this position, achieving a gender equality score of 71.5%, surpassing both the global and East Asia-Pacific averages.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. In politics, female participation in the political system has yet to meet the set targets, and the quality of engagement remains limited. In the economy, women—especially those in vulnerable groups—still face difficulties in accessing economic resources, asset ownership, inheritance rights, financial services, and technology. In labor, inequalities persist in employment status, wages, and income, particularly in the informal sector. In education, gender disparities remain in access to education and lifelong learning opportunities, especially in disadvantaged areas. In healthcare, women in remote and ethnic minority regions still face barriers to reproductive health services. Within families, gender stereotypes continue to influence decision-making and labor division, placing a double burden on women in balancing work and family responsibilities. Additionally, women’s roles in science and technology remain underrecognized, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Sharing key findings from the research, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, deputy director of the Institute of Social Science Information and lead researcher, highlighted that gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a crucial driver of sustainable development. The study provides a clearer understanding of the barriers and opportunities for women, paving the way for appropriate policy solutions. She also pointed out that while technological advancements offer new opportunities for women in accessing knowledge, employment, and business opportunities, they could also exacerbate gender inequality if women are not adequately equipped with digital skills.

To address this, Vietnam needs policies to support women's access to technology, enhance their professional qualifications, and improve digital skills. This would help bridge the gender gap while maximizing women’s potential in economic and social development. Furthermore, shifting societal perceptions on gender equality is essential. Strengthening public awareness campaigns on the role of women in families and society can help eliminate traditional gender stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement.

Based on the research findings, conference participants proposed several policy recommendations to further promote gender equality. Key suggestions included increasing female representation in politics through targeted support policies, enhancing women’s access to economic opportunities by supporting female-led businesses and expanding financial access, and reducing the gender gap in education—particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Additionally, improving job quality and labor conditions, particularly for female workers in the informal sector, was identified as a priority. Strengthening social security systems, enhancing healthcare services, and expanding social protection measures for vulnerable women were also recommended as essential steps in fostering a more inclusive society.

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