Vietnam Suggests Gender Equality Solutions at UN Session

It is necessary to promote international cooperation to support countries in implementing international commitments to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all areas of social life, contributing to preventing violence and discrimination, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) has stated.

Thoa made the remark at a meeting of the UN Committee on Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Issues of the 78th-tenure UN General Assembly on October 3, VNA reported.

Thoa held that women in many parts of the world are facing problems such as health, loss or reduction of income, lagging behind in access to knowledge, employment opportunities, and integration, and becoming victims of gender-based violence.

Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) addressed the event. Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, digital transformation and global economic trends, on the one hand, are both solutions and, on the other hand, pose the risk of exacerbating women's vulnerabilities, she stressed.

The Vietnamese representative underlined that in the context of digital transformation, it is crucial to focus on improving the digital skills of female workers and promoting the role of women in developing the digital economy. In addition, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for women and girls to develop their careers in science and technology, and protect women's rights in the digital environment.

On the occasion, Thoa highlighted the achievements that Vietnam has gained in ensuring the rights of women and gender equality in the process of policymaking, law building, and development strategy designing.

Notably, Vietnam has a high ratio of women among National Assembly deputies and leaders, she said, adding that the country has shown strong performance in ensuring employment for women as well as gender equality in the digital era.

Vietnam has also recorded sound outcomes in gender equality promotion, climbing four places to 83rd in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2022, with the rate of women participating in the workforce reaching 62.5%, higher than the global average of 56%.

Vietnam will continue to cooperate with the international community in promoting gender equality and progress of women, the diplomat affirmed.

At the meeting, the majority of countries said that signs of regression have been seen in the promotion of the role and participation of women in all fields of social life. Women are still largely affected by today's intertwined and multi-dimensional crises, they noted.

During the 67th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, also affirmed the application of digital science and technology towards the goal of gender equality requires political will and real actions of governments and the willingness to transform of relevant sectors in society.

To boost the engagement of women and girls in the global digital transformation, the representative of Vietnam recommended further removing stereotype barriers in career guidance, and education and training in natural sciences; and narrowing the gender gap in digital issues.

It is necessary to ensure that the groups enjoy the fruits of scientific and technological progress and equip them with the knowledge and skills to find employment in the digital era, the diplomat noted.

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