Vietnam Proposes Digitalization Accessibility for Women and Girls at the AMMW

As the Former Chair of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW), Minister Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed Vietnam's determination to improve women and girls' access to digitalization

October 18, 2021 | 09:07

With the theme of "Digital Economy and Financial Inclusion for Improving ASEAN Women's Competitiveness", the 4th AMMW was held to promote constructive dialogue and regional synergies oriented towards creating an accessible environment for women.

s the Former Chair for the 3rd AMMW, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung discussed the efforts to meet ASEAN leaders’ requirements since 2018 on promoting women leadership, non-discrimination, and social norms change. Vietnam highlighted the work of mainstreaming gender across the three ASEAN Community pillars; protecting and empowering women in vulnerable situations.

Vietnam Proposes Digitalization Accessibility for Women and Girls at the AMMW

Ethnic minority women access to technology.

The theme of the 3rd AMMW was “Social Protection for Women and Girls: Toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2025". The Minister addressed the alarming gendered aspects of social security issues. Women and girls need more gender-sensitive social protection due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. These urgent measures contributed to bringing together a just and regulated community fighting against the epidemic disease.

The ASEAN Ministers and heads of delegations congratulated Minister Dao Ngoc Dung on his achievements as the Chair of the 3rd AMMW for the 2018-2021 tenure. The report by the chair of the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) was highly anticipated, including the completion of the ACW Work Plan 2016-2020, the ACW Work Plan 2021-2025, the deliberations of the 18th, 19th and 20th ACW Meetings, and other important development such as strengthening women leadership and economic empowerment, and protecting women in vulnerable situations.

The meeting carried on as country representatives shared their viewpoints on national and regional solutions in relation to the theme, which is digital economy and financial inclusion for improving women's competitiveness.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed Vietnam's determination to support the 4th AMMW's theme, especially in economic empowerment. Vietnam has gained remarkable achievements, which have contributed to spurring national socio-economic development.

The highlights include progress in gender mainstreaming in laws and policies, flexible online education and training programs, and digital technology application provided to women-owned small and micro enterprises. In addition, Vietnam provides financial and non-financial services for disadvantaged women, narrowing the income gap and improving women’s position.

Women access technology to lift themselves out of poverty.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized Vietnamese government support for Covid-19-hit workers, including the VND 26 trillion Support Package for employees and employers suffering from Covid-19 complications. Additional support will be given to special groups like freelance workers, small business owners, officers in the performing arts sector. The government also quickly work on smart devices application and software installation at many localities so that these special groups can complete the registration.

In the end, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung suggested ASEAN members to start dialogue and diplomacy to jointly boost collaboration in supporting women's empowerment and gender equality, especially in relation to digital economy and financial inclusion.

A Joint Statement of the 4th AMMW was adopted, highlighting the gendered impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic among women and girls and the opportunities afforded by the digital revolution.

Major achievements of the 3rd AMMW 2018-2021 hosted by Vietnam:

Firstly, the level of joint collaboration between ASEAN members was significantly boosted: the ACW has focused on specific policies, including: 1) strengthening the resilience of young women as integral principles in the emerging context; 2) more women engaging in political activities at all levels; 3) building the foundation for digital equality and financial inclusion for improving women’s competitiveness.

Secondly, Vietnam made full effort in completing the mission assigned by ASEAN leaders: mainstreaming gender in the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural spheres to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thirdly, Vietnam implemented and integrated relevant regional initiatives and priorities into international programs and projects: strengthen partnerships with ASEAN Agencies, ASEAN Dialogue Partners and ASEAN-affiliated organizations such as the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network, UN Women and other United Nations agencies and other stakeholders.

Fourthly, Vietnam responded firmly to challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and other complications.

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