United Nations in Viet Nam

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Viet Nam.

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07 March 2023

Harnessing Technology and Innovation for Social Inclusion & Gender Equality

“Technology compensates for my eyes", said Huong, a visually impaired student at Nguyen Dinh Chieu School in Ha Noi. Huong is one of many whose life has been transformed by digitalization. Before, Huong’s mother, Ms Hanh, sat next to her every night and every morning to reach each page for her to study. Now, Huong can use smart tools to access printed information just like a sighted person. This has opened a world of possibilities. We have all experienced the transformative power of digitalization. If not, this is what Huong tells us. Her story is an example of how the digital revolution creates enabling conditions in which all can thrive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world shifted into online spaces like never before. It proved that digitalization transforms how we work, learn, interact, and communicate. It opens new opportunities and breaks down traditional barriers to actively participate. It can improve well-being, education, health and livelihoods. For women and girls, digital transformation provides a unique opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes and shape their futures. Huong’s story is an excellent testament to this. Yet, innovation and technology also risk perpetuating gender stereotypes and exacerbating inequalities. Women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade— a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 if no action is taken. Technological and digital innovation create, eliminate, and transform jobs, all in parallel.[1] With IR4.0, automation and technological advancements will drastically cut demand for unskilled and low-skilled labour. Up to 86% of workers in Vietnam's textile and footwear industries are at risk of losing their job within the next 15 years.[2] This year’s International Women’s Day spotlights the digital divide between men and women and calls for an inclusive digital and technological transformation for everyone, everywhere. This theme is particularly timely and relevant in Viet Nam as the Government embarks on an ambitious digitalization journey. Digital transformation is needed in society and in the economy. It is considered as a vehicle to increase productivity, stimulate innovation, and ensure that Viet Nam remains competitive internationally. Viet Nam has already come a long way in providing equal access to technology, particularly to information and communications technology (ICT). Across the country’s 63 provinces, there is no noticeable difference between women and men, girls and boys, in access to ICT, exposure to media, mobile phone use, and having basic ICT skills.[3] 91% of women and girls in Viet Nam use cell phones[4]. Although having a device is critical, it is not sufficient for women and girls to harness the potential of digitalization.[5] Women must also have equal opportunities to shape technologies and lead innovation. This starts in school. Boys significantly outnumber girls in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In Viet Nam, only 36% of female graduates completing tertiary education are in STEM fields. 78% of students enrolled at Polytechnic University in Hanoi are male.[6] Girls who pursue STEM education must first surmount a series of systemic, social and cultural barriers. Research finds that both teachers and female students had internalized cultural biases about their suitability to pursue STEM. With the gap between girls and boys pursuing STEM, it comes as no surprise that innovation and tech industries have the greatest gender imbalance of all sectors.[8] [9] According to the International Labor Organization, women account for only 37% of the tech workforce.[10] [11] Studies show that companies with greater gender parity do better financially. Bringing women into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. A UNESCO conference held in Hanoi in 2015 already advocated that “the world needs science and science needs women.” [13] The equal inclusion of girls in STEM fields today lays the foundation for Viet Nam’s prosperous digital transformation tomorrow. To meet the aspiration of becoming a high-income country by 2045, Viet Nam’s digital journey must include all citizens as active contributors. This will also prove key to unlocking Viet Nam’s continuous economic growth [14] and achieving greater social inclusion in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Three steps to take: Ensure gender-responsive policies on digital transformation and innovation. Break down barriers for girls to become future innovators and leaders in STEM. Anticipate the future of work. Ensure access to upskilling and reskilling programmes. Let’s not replicate barriers for women and girls’ participation in the workplace of the future. On International Women's Day, join us in committing to a world where innovation and technology are harnessed to create a more equitable and just society. Pauline Tamesis is the Resident Coordinator of the UN in Viet Nam. For more information on UN in Viet Nam's Policy Brief DigitALL - Innovation and technology for Gender Equality in Viet Nam, see: https://vietnam.un.org/en/221387-policy-brief-digitall-innovation-and-technology-gender-equality-viet-nam for both English and Vietnamese versions. References: [1] Commission on the Status of Women Sixty-seventh session 6–17 March 2023 Item 3 (a) of the provisional agenda*, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”: implementation of strategic objectives and action in critical areas of concern and further actions and initiatives, p. 9 [2] Tri, Minh Nguyen, Research in World Economy, “Impact of Industrial Revolution 4.0 on the Labour market in Viet Nam, DOI: 10.5430/rwe.v12n1p94 [3] UNICEF, Viet Nam SDGCW Survey 2020-2021 https://www.unicef.org/vietnam/media/8696/file/Mass%20media%20&%20ICT.pdf [4] WPS Index 2021-2022, page 85 https://giwps.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WPS-Index-2021.pdf [5] Commission on the Status of Women Sixty-seventh session 6–17 March 2023 Item 3 (a) of the provisional agenda*, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”: implementation of strategic objectives and action in critical areas of concern and further actions and initiatives. [6] 2021. “Sinh Viên Nữ Trong Khối Ngành Stem Trên Thế Giới và Việt Nam - Thực Trạng và Bài Học.” Tạp Chí Công Thương. September 17, 2021. https://tapchicongthuong.vn/bai-viet/sinh-vien-nu-trong-khoi-nganh-stem-tren-the-gioi-va-viet-nam-thuc-trang-va-bai-hoc-83675.htm. [7] Commission on the Status of Women Sixty-seventh session 6–17 March 2023 Item 3 (a) of the provisional agenda*, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”: implementation of strategic objectives and action in critical areas of concern and further actions and initiatives, p. 6 [8] ONLINE, TUOI TRE. 2022. “Ngành Công Nghệ Thông Tin ‘Khát’ Nhân Lực Nữ.” TUOI TRE ONLINE. August 15, 2022. https://tuoitre.vn/nganh-cong-nghe-thong-tin-khat-nhan-luc-nu-20220815132455884.htm. [9] “Women Levelling the Playing Field in Tech.” 2022. En.vcci.com.vn. June 4, 2022. https://en.vcci.com.vn/women-levelling-the-playing-field-in-tech. [10] UNWOMEN, 2019. Country Gender Equality Prole – Viet Nam [11] “Vietnamese Women Are Increasingly Well Prepared for Decision-Making Roles in Businesses.” 2020. Www.ilo.org. November 17, 2020. https://www.ilo.org/hanoi/Informationresources/Publicinformation/Pressreleases/WCMS_761182/lang--en/index.htm. [12] International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2018. https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2018/11/28/blog-economic-gains-from-gender-inclusion-even-greater-than-you-thought. [13] Policy Dialogue “Gender Equality in digital transformation in Viet Nam: opportunities and challenges’, 3rd March 2023, Ha Noi [14] https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2018/11/28/blog-economic-gains-from-gender-inclusion-even-greater-than-you-thought

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09 December 2022

Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All

“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,” is the first line of the Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In one sentence, it encapsulates the principles and values that we, as a human family have promised to uphold and fulfil 74 years ago. It is a powerful reminder of the proclamation made by the United Nations General Assembly on this very day in 1948. Each year, hence, on the 10th of December, we observe Human Rights Day on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By celebrating Human Rights Day, we continue to reaffirm the promise of the Declaration – to uphold universal, indivisible and inalienable human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone, everywhere. 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of Viet Nam’s membership to the United Nations. During the recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, he reminded us that “Human rights are at the heart of unleashing the best of our societies. They build solidarity. They promote inclusion, equality, and growth. They underwrite freedom. They ensure lasting stability”, emphasizing that upholding human rights in all its dimensions, remain vital to the next chapter of Viet Nam’s development success story. Our world today continues to face a multitude of challenges, from pandemics to conflicts to climate change. Across the globe, social injustice pervades societies; fundamental freedoms of religion and belief, of opinion and expression are under attack; and the vulnerable suffer most from inequality and discrimination, unable to exercise their rights. Viet Nam has not been spared from impact of global crises. While the country is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it needs at the same time to cope with the increasing food and energy prices from the fallout of the war in Ukraine, while battling natural disasters and impact of climate change. Unfortunately, the poor and those least capable to overcome these shocks disproportionately bear the brunt of these crises. In Viet Nam, remote and ethnic minority communities are being left behind. Only 1/5 of ethnic minority households have access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services, compared to Kinh and Hoa majority households. Despite high coverage for health insurance, access to health services is low among certain ethnic minority populations. While 87% of Mong women have health insurance, only 37% deliver in a health facility. Maternal mortality is also 2-3 time higher among ethnic minorities than the national average. Early childhood education enrolment amongst 3- to 5-year-olds from ethnic groups is only 66% compared to 92% nationwide. Multi-dimensional poverty among Mong, Dao and Khmer groups are 45%, 20 and 19.2% respectively, while the rate for the majority Kinh group was only 2.8% in 2020. The climate crisis exacerbates vulnerabilities faced by ethnic minority groups. Drought, heat waves and flooding lead to climate change-induced insecurity. Smallholder agriculture, particularly poor, ethnic minority and women farmers are ultimately the most severely impacted. All these development challenges threaten dignity and equality in rights, including health, food, education, an adequate standard of living, social assistance, and even to life itself. The realities that vulnerable individuals and communities face in their lives and livelihoods serve as a reminder and push for our continued action to integrate human rights in all development priorities – from climate action, to labour and social protection, to economic transformation – and put people at the centre of development. On 28 July 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a historic resolution that gave universal recognition to the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment (R2HE). This important international legal development reinforces action in over 150 countries where the R2HE is already recognized. Viet Nam’s election to the Human Rights Council for the period 2023-2025 presents a great responsibility but also an important opportunity to redouble efforts in protecting and promoting economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights in line with international human rights standards. Among Viet Nam’s pledges as part of its election to the Human Rights Council, it is encouraging that Viet Nam prioritised upholding its commitments and obligations under the international human rights treaties, of which Viet Nam has ratified 7 out of 9; strengthening education on human rights; and addressing the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, with particular attention on the rights of vulnerable groups. As Viet Nam commences its membership to the Human Rights Council, it would be critical to translate these commitments into concrete actions, and to demonstrate even stronger evidence of the protection and promotion of human rights. The United Nations, as a proud and long-standing partner of Viet Nam over the past 45 years, will continue to work closely with the Government of Viet Nam, development partners and civil society, to keep human rights at the centre of all development efforts. Renewed collaboration and cooperation, including meaningful inclusion and participation of diverse non-government actors and communities, will be crucial for promoting the vibrant dialogue needed to help Viet Nam progress on a broad range of human rights. Together, we can fulfil the promise of a human family that upholds dignity, freedom and justice for all. Pauline Tamesis is the UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam. To remind us of the relevance and legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ahead of its 75th Anniversary celebration next year, the United Nations is launching the year-long campaign “UDHR 75: Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”. For more information, please visit: https://www.ohchr.org/en/get-involved/campaign/human-rights-day

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Students with visual impairments singing

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09 December 2022

UNIDO’s technical advice enables first batch of Vietnamese pomelos exported to the US

Viet Nam’s first batch of pomelos was exported to the United States from Ben Tre Province (Mekong River Delta) on Monday, November 28, 2022, at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the provincial People's Committee. After nearly six years of negotiations, the US market is unlocked to Viet Nam’s fresh pomelos. The export was enabled by efforts from pomelo value chain actors, including policy-makers, exporters, farmers, business providers and also UNIDO’s experts. Pomelos exported to the United States have very strict pest control requirements, which required a lot of time in training farmers as well as changing the farming process to meet the requirements and improving the linkage chain. UNIDO Viet Nam and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering & Technology After Harvest (VIAEP) have been on the ground providing direct technical support in post-harvest treatment to this very first batch of pomelos in Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Group JSC (Chanh Thu) to meet US market standards. Chanh Thu is one of the women and youth-owned businesses in the Mekong Delta which are assisted in enhancing innovation and technology application and increasing quality standards compliance capacity. The activity was under the framework of the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) and the United Nations Multi-Parter Trust Fund (MPTF). The GQSP Vietnam project is part of a wider global GQSP programme funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland and implemented by UNIDO in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). According to technical requirements for pomelos entering the US market, it is mandatory to use coating instead of plastic wrap. The new coating technology developed by the project, in collaboration with VIAEP and international experts, extends the shelf life by up to 3 months without using plastic wrap. In parallel with the research and development of coating products, a synchronized pre-processing system for pomelo processing with a capacity of 4-5 tons/hour has been designed, manufactured and installed, including major steps of washing, chemical treatment, draining, waxing, and drying. This equipment system was accepted by the US Animal and Plant Health Quarantine (APHIS) and the Plant Protection Department to enable the exporter to meet the requirements for exporting pomelos to the US market. “The effectiveness of the project helps enterprises overcome the key challenge of fruit exporting, which is post-harvest treatment to preserve fruits for a long shipments and export to demanding markets with reduced logistics costs. This is a necessary move at this point. This also encourages enterprises to invest more in future innovations to bring quality products to consumers.” - Ngô Tường Vy, general director of Chánh Thu, shared about UNIDO’s technical support. Based on this success, UNIDO will continue to work to enhance international market access for Vietnamese fruits, build innovative and sustainable value chains to contribute to the rural economy.

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30 November 2022

Ending HIV-related discrimination to uphold equality

The intense fight trampled at home and so with family relationships. Duy and Lien (not their real names) are married, both live with HIV and reside in Dien Bien Phu City. Lien is the stronger economic contributor and helps maintain the family's livelihood. Battling with severe side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), Duy spends most of his time taking care of household chores and children at home. Their two children are free from HIV as Lien adopted anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The family lives on the land that Duy inherited from his father. His inheritance is legally registered. The land had been equally divided and inherited by Duy, the son of his elder brother, and his two elder sisters. They all built houses on the inherited land and lived next to each other. Since knowing their HIV status, the relatives ostracized Duy's family. They labelled Duy as "less competent" and "socially disconnected" because he needed to stay home most of the time due to his health and physical condition. Unfortunately, this year a government urban development project ignited more tensions and deepened the rift in the family. The government collected a portion of their land for an urban development project with new road construction in Dien Bien Phu City. A sum of money was distributed as compensation for the land the government acquired. However, the reconstruction altered the pathway to the properties on the land. Duy's two sisters demanded a larger share of the compensation and a resizing of the plot of his land. Duy's two sisters trooped into their house, physically harmed Lien and verbally insulted Duy and Lien by shouting about their HIV status in front of their two small children. The fierce quarrel ravaged their home, so as their dignity. Being driven into a corner, Duy and Lien sought help from representatives of local mass organizations to resolve the dispute through civil litigation. HIV-related stigma and discrimination, including violence, threatened Duy's property rights and exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerability. According to Stigma Index 2020-2021, more than 4% among 1623 respondents in Viet Nam reported experiencing rights abuses in the past 12 months, and 45% reported not knowing any law protecting people living with HIV from being discriminated against [1]. “We have been receiving, through the hotline service, stories of people living with HIV being subject to stigma, discrimination and violence, including verbal and physical violence,” said Nguyen Anh Phong, a representative of the Viet Nam Network of People Living With HIV (VNP+). Phong and his team have been operating a hotline to provide counseling and support to community members for many years. “People living with HIV and the wider community both need to speak up and take action to address stigma and discrimination. You are not alone. We are not alone.” He emphasized. Putting an end to stigma and discrimination around HIV is the key to stopping violence against people living with and at higher risk of HIV and ensuring everyone's equal rights, such as property ownership, education, health care, work, access to justice, privacy, family, bodily autonomy and other rights. Equality needs to be upheld to empower key HIV populations to live with dignity and respect.
[1] Stigma Index. PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 Viet Nam Country Report. Available at: https://www.stigmaindex.org/country-reports/#/m/VN *Community members featured in this photo have given UNAIDS consent to use their image for the purpose of public advocacy for the HIV response.

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29 November 2022

Equal and equitable access to HIV services across Viet Nam

The mountainous Dien Bien province in the north-western region of Vietnam is home to many people from the Thai ethnic group, including Lo Van Huy (not his real name). Huy is his family's only son and his extended family's firstborn son. Huy’s family started doubting his sexual orientation during high school. His family openly pressured him to get married and even sent him for “treatment of homosexuality”. Throughout high school, he was ill-spoken by the surrounding community and felt unaccepted by his loved ones. Shame and devastation almost pushed him to the edge of committing suicide. Subsequently, Huy spent much time on social media at home to avoid social pressure in his neighbourhood. On an online platform, he met his lover, a young man from another district of Dien Bien province. He also got contacted by a community-based organisation (CBO) of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Dien Bien province through social media. The organisation provided Huy counselling and HIV screening test and distributed condoms and lubricants to him for HIV prevention afterwards. Upon graduating from high school, Huy moved to Hanoi for work to avoid the stigma and family pressure related to his sexual orientation while his boyfriend was still studying in Dien Bien province. They remained lovers but haven’t come out. Fearing information disclosure and not having sex partners, Huy did not actively reach out to any MSM CBO in Hanoi and stayed connected with the peer educator he is familiar with from the MSM CBO in Dien Bien province. As a result, not until he returned to visit his hometown in September this year did Huy have a second HIV screening test and continue to receive condoms and lubricants. He was introduced to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)[1] services but was not willing to be referred to PrEP service in Hanoi while PrEP is still unavailable in his hilly home province. “We reached out to MSM in Dien Bien province mostly through mobile apps, and social media closed groups before getting connected in person. Many are young MSM living in districts, hiding their sexual orientation out of fear of stigma and lacking understanding of safe sex and HIV. I wish we will soon have PrEP service in Dien Bien so HIV prevention will be easier and more effective for my community.” Said Lo Van Thinh, head of Hoa Ban Trang MSM CBO in Dien Bien province. The HIV epidemic is surging among MSM, especially young MSM in Viet Nam. 47% of newly diagnosed HIV infections in 2020 were among MSM. HIV prevalence among young MSM (15 – 24 years) quadrupled, from 3% in 2011 to 13% in 2020. The lack of PrEP services across the country will negate the gains in preventing HIV infections among MSM. Evidence shows PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%[2]. “Further scaling up and sustaining high impact HIV interventions such as PrEP is key for Viet Nam to achieve HIV targets by 2025 and stay on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Dr Maria Elena Filio Borromeo, Country Director of UNAIDS in Viet Nam. Reducing the geographical differences in HIV services availability enables the hard-to-reach populations to timely access highly effective HIV prevention and other essential HIV services in any setting that they find safe and trustful. Increasing the availability, quality and suitability of HIV-related services across the country is instrumental to an equitable and sustainable HIV response in Viet Nam. [1] Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive treatment to prevent sexual transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men. [2] US CDC. (2022). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html#:~:text=PrEP%20reduces%20the%20risk%20of,use%20by%20at%20least%2074%25.

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Press Release

28 March 2023

Official Launch of “the one-stop-shop model to support women and children subject to violence in Ho Chi Minh city”

The one-stop shop model will perform its functions of receiving, screening, treating, consulting, and providing on-site services to patients who are women and children subject to violence and sexual abuse. Instead of having to knock on the doors of many places to seek support, women and children subject to violence simply go to the "one-stop-shop" model for medical care, psychological and legal counseling. If an emergency shelter is needed, social workers of Hung Vuong Hospital will refer victims to the City Center for Social Work - Education and Vocational Training for Youth, located at 14 Nguyen Van Bao, Ward 4, Go Vap District for care and nurture, therapeutic intervention and access to other essential services on demand. Le Van Thinh, Director of Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City said: “The pilot implementation of the "one-stop shop model to support women and children in Ho Chi Minh City" at a health facility is an unprecedented new solution in Vietnam. Experience in responding to gender-based violence shows that health facilities are often the first places to which patients of different age groups, professions and backgrounds go to.. Upon the operation of the model, a gap assessment will be conducted to review sectors’ specific policies and regulations towards an agreement on the principles and standards for the provision of the one-stop shop services to victims. The one-stop shop model is a safe destination, a place to intervene, help, and provide essential closed and suitable service packages for each victim in the area." The National Survey on Violence against Women in Viet Nam in 2019 shows that nearly 2 out of 3 women (nearly 63%) experience one or more forms of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence as well as controlling behaviors caused by their husbands/intimate partners in their lifetime. However, 90% women who experience sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by their husbands do not seek any assistance from the authorities. The one-stop shop model was introduced after more than two years of research under the chairmanship and professional coordination of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and the Department of Health and related departments, and units and the direct participation of Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh city. This is an activity under the program on Safe Cities for Women and Children, which was implemented by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh city with technical support from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the companionship of PE&D in Viet Nam. Ms. Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Representative of UN Women Viet Nam said: “It is such a delight for UN Women to witness the launch of the one-stop shop model today. The launch of the model is the result of the tireless efforts of stakeholders in Ho Chi Minh city during the past few years, aiming to provide a coordinated multi-sectoral essential service for women and children subject to violence by meeting their aspirations and needs. UN Women is committed to continuing to join hands with Ho Chi Minh city in the coming time to make the model pilot a success, UN Women expects this model to serve as a basis for its replication nationwide". The operating budget of the one-stop shop model is guaranteed by the budget of Ho Chi Minh city and is included in the annual budget estimates of the Department of Health and the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs. The piloting period of the model will be from 2022 to 2026./.

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Press Release

06 March 2023

Viet Nam to study National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in Jordan and the United Kingdom

The National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS) is a comprehensive framework that aims to promote the participation of women in all aspects of peace and security processes, including crisis and conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction. The development of NAP WPS was first introduced by the United Nations Security Council 1325 (2000) and has since been adopted by more than 100 UN’s Member States around the world. During the visits, the Vietnamese delegation will meet with government officials, women machineries, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in Jordan and the United Kingdom to learn about their experiences in designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on the NAP WPS. The visit is part of Viet Nam's ongoing commitment to develop a NAP WPS for Viet Nam, and ultimately, to further advancing women's rights and gender equality, both domestically and internationally. By learning from the experiences of other countries, Viet Nam aims to strengthen its own capacity to promote women's participation in crisis prevention and in peace and security processes, and to further contribute to both national and global efforts to build a more peaceful and inclusive world. "We are pleased to welcome the Vietnamese delegation to the UK and to share our experience in developing and implementing National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security., The UK has just launched our fifth Women Peace and Security National Action Plan (2023-2027). We recognise the transformational potential of NAPs for a country’s approach to gender equality and strongly support Viet Nam’s commitment to develop its own NAP. We look forward to productive discussions and collaborating with Viet Nam to promote gender equality in the region and across the world," said British Ambassador Iain Frew. "UN Women in Viet Nam applauds the efforts of the Vietnamese government to promote women's participation in peace and security processes, and we are pleased to support their efforts through this study mission. We also appreciate the support from the UK and Jordan to share their expertise, lessons learned and challenges in developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on their inclusive and impact-oriented NAP WPS. From this rich exchange and learning experience we are confident that Vietnamese experts will well place to convene and mobilize all stakeholders to take important steps to develop a high-impact NAP WPS for Viet Nam. We look forward to a continued collaboration and partnership with the government and people of Viet Nam on this important issue," said Ms. Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Representative in Viet Nam. For more information, please contact: Hoang Bich Thao, Communications Officer, UN Women Viet Nam hoang.thao@unwomen.org For more information, stories of female peace leaders, and new data on Women, Peace, and Security, visit: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/women-peace-security For the most recent study on Women, Peace, and Security in the ASEAN region, visit: https://wps.asean.org/resources/asean-regional-study-on-women-peace-and-security/ For additional data on Women, Peace, and Security, click here.

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Press Release

03 March 2023

Policy Dialogue: “Gender equality in digital transformation in Viet Nam: Opportunities and challenges”

The Policy Dialogue this year also aligns with International Women's Day's global theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” and responds to the priority theme of the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”, with a view to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women and girls in innovation, technology and digital education while identifying the impacts of digital transformation on the risks of exacerbating economic and social inequalities. The event also highlighted the significance of digital transformation, which, with its enormous potentials, is believed to become a pivotal “enabler of change” for gender equality, women's empowerment and in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV). In Viet Nam, with the “National Program on Digital Transformation until 2025, with a vision toward 2030” approved by the Prime Minister on June 3, 2020 (Decision No. 749/QD-TTg), innovation and technology has become a priority of the Government as well as ministries and sectors in recent years. Digital transformation has spread deep and broad impacts, covering all sectors and socio-economic fields, contributing to elevating labour productivity, transforming operational and business models towards innovation, thereby fostering the competitiveness of the country. Apart from that, innovation and technology have been still often seen as male-dominated areas. In recent years, women have been gradually building up certain advantages in technology, with expanded job opportunities. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), in Viet Nam, women account for about 37% of the workforce in the technological sector in Viet Nam, higher than that of the world (25%). Gender diversity is also a factor of concern by technology companies in Viet Nam to enable them to generate good, safe and suitable products for the majority of users. However, the majority of women working in the technological sector still primarily assume such positions as testing, marketing, sales, administration and human resources, rather than technical roles such as software developer. There are various reasons why the proportion of women working in this field is still limited, such as the lack of policies and programs to promote women's participation in the technological sector, and the persistent gender stereotypes on women and technology. How to break down the barriers and empower women in an inclusive way has also been a challenge for numerous businesses operating in the technological domain in Viet Nam nowadays. Speaking at the opening of the event, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ha, Vice Minister of MOLISA affirmed: “The explicit awareness of gender issues emerging in the context of digital transformation will enable relevant authorities to improve the policy and legal framework, to facilitate more women and girls in having the opportunities to partake in this field. Therefore, raising awareness of educational opportunities and eliminating gender stereotypes in curricula and career orientation, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training has been seen as the key to foster women's participation in digital transformation. Changing expectations about gender stereotypes in professions, including enhancing female role models’ participation in information technology, digital transformation will also create a boost in women's confidence in the field of information technology. Equipping women with necessary skills and supporting their transition to digitally relevant forms of jobs is critical to ensuring that women are not left behind.” Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam highlighted that “This year’s International Women's Day priority theme provides a unique opportunity to revisit the gendered impacts of innovation and technology and to identify recommendations that will allow for a more inclusive and equitable digital evolution in Viet Nam. Against this background, the UN in Viet Nam would offer some thoughts for further discussions including ensuring gender perspectives in national digital policies and allocating resources for full implementation; strengthening quality education for women and girls; forecasting and anticipate future job and skill need; strengthening data collection and addressing gender-based violence online.” Participants focused on discussing the current situation of digital transformation in Viet Nam and the role of women in the digital era in different spheres, as well as proposing solutions to narrow the gender gaps which are hindering the participation of women and girls in education, science, technology and the labour market pertaining to innovation, technology and digitalization. The issue of protecting the safety of women and children against all forms of violence in the cyber space was also discussed at the event. The information shared and recommendations made at the Policy Dialogue will be fed into Viet Nam's report at the 67th session of the Committee on the Status of Women held by the United Nations in mid-March in New York, USA. -End- For further information, please contact: Ms. Hoang Bich Thao – Communications and Advocacy Analyst Communications Group of the United Nations TEL: +84 4 3850 0376 Email: hoang.thao@unwomen.org Nguyen Viet Hai – Specialist of the Gender Equality Department MOLISA TEL: 0983084703 Email: viethai703@gmail.com

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Press Release

22 February 2023

Key opinion leaders in Viet Nam learn how to prevent cyberviolence against women and children

The training named the Orange Team is an activity under the framework of the joint programme titled Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children in Viet Nam in the Period 2021-2025," funded by the Australian Government and conducted by the three UN organizations, namely UN Women, the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, and the UN Population Fund UNFPA. In 2022, the Orange Team engaged more than 60 influencers, such as singer My Linh, journalist Truong Anh Ngoc, writer Trang Ha, actor Bao Thanh, MC Oc Thanh Van, soccer player Doan Van Hau, and dancer Quang Dang. The programme’s social media received more than 4 million hits. "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, over the last couple of years, the use of internet has become very popular in studying, working, playing and participating in other social activities,” said the Representative of UN Women Viet Nam Ms. Elisa Fernandez Saenz. “Besides its advantages, the cyberspace environment also poses many risks of gender-based violence, lacking safety for many users, especially women and children.” “Therefore, it has become urgent and necessary more than ever to raise awareness and improve knowledge of the public on safety and gender equality in cyberspace. Celebrities play an important role in conveying messages on safety, equality, and non-violence to the public." A global report found that the prevalence of cyber violence against women and girls ranges from 16 to 58 percent. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the most common forms are: defamation and spread of misinformation (67%), online harassment (66%), and hate speech (65%). Evidence has shown that violence against women and girls either online or through social media can result in serious medical, political, social, and economic consequences. Artists representing the celebrity community attending the event said: TikToker Pham Vinh: “Using the right to "Freedom of Speech" as a shield, many social media influencers who are women and children are facing cyber-bullying resulting from many acts such as: threats, abuse, humiliation, shaming or mental torture through text messages, websites, social media, or electronic devices. Be a civilized user of social media, joining hands to contribute to the fight against cyberviolence, making social media a healthier platform!” Artist Trinh Pham: “In Viet Nam, violence is often hidden around us in many forms, especially cyberspace. Therefore, we need to raise awareness on the prevention of violence against women and children, joining hands to fight violence in the community. As a civilized user of social media, say No to cyberviolence!”

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Press Release

20 December 2022

Take Pride in Kindness - Safer Schools for LGBTI People

The United Nations (UN) in Viet Nam celebrates the promotion of safer schools for sexual and gender minority persons, usually referred to as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in collaboration with the University of Education, Viet Nam National University (VNU-UEd), Ha Noi and LGBTI community-led partner organizations - Hanoi Queer, Venus Social Enterprise and Finding a Self through Life Writing Project, with support from the global UN Free and Equal (UNFE) campaign aimed at promoting equal rights and the fair treatment of LGBTIQ+[1] people. With the key message of Take Pride in Kindness for Safer Schools for LGBTI People, the 2022 UNFE campaign in Viet Nam is to promote comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for safer learning environments, to raise social awareness about diversity in Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) , and especially, to enhance understanding of the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Viet Nam through online surveys, a social media campaign, and a hybrid public advocacy event hosted at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) on 18 December 2022. ‘Reports of bullying, stigma, and discrimination in schools based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression are still common in Viet Nam. Although more data is needed, research shows, for example, that LGBTI students face higher levels of gender-based violence than their peers and that education institutions are often not safe for them. National data shows that HIV infections have been on the increase among young gay men and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women. We also know that LGBTI students face specific mental health challenges that include negative family reactions to their sexuality or gender identity and fears of discrimination,’ said Lesley Miller, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Viet Nam on behalf of the UN. In consultation with a broad group of representatives from the LGBTIQ+ community in Viet Nam, the UNFE in Viet Nam has found that strengthening the inclusion of SOGIESC discussion and information in CSE content at schools is an area where continued engagement of the UN has important value. The campaign in Viet Nam recognizes that groups of teachers and pedagogical students, with their pedagogical skills and expertise, are important agents of change in spreading effective content of CSE, particularly SOGIESCs, through kindness and pride-based approaches to many future generations of students. From there, respect for diversity, kindness, and pride attitudes will be promoted and nurtured; and thus, promotion of safe schools and educational environments for all students will be committed and translated into action. During the public event today, exhibition displays, games, quizzes, and discussion sessions on gender diversity will be arranged. Participants, including pre-service teachers, lecturers, LGBTIQ+ organizations, adolescents and young people are encouraged to take part in event activities to learn about LGBITQ+ and share their perspectives regarding kindness and pride for safer schools for all learners. ‘In 2021, the UN supported the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in digitalizing the Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme and making it open source for teachers, parents, and students at all levels. This work contributes to advancing the rights of LGBTI adolescents and young people and is helping to raise public awareness on sexuality education, breaking taboos, tackling gender bias, and enabling more inclusive, friendly schools for all. We strongly encourage everyone to visit these online resources and take a proactive approach to equipping yourselves with knowledge,’ added Lesley Miller. ‘Today, at this UNFE event, we celebrate the fact that everyone –all people-- regardless of their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression or any other status, are born free and equal in dignity and rights. And we direct our focus on education as a strategic vehicle for change. The UN is pleased to be cooperating with the University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi in hosting this event which is part of the University’s broader efforts to transform its teaching staff, its student body, and its learning environment. We welcome the emphasis on respect and kindness with the aim of ensuring safety for everyone in the spirit of ‘Leaving no one behind,’ shared Lesley Miller. 2022 is the fourth year of the UNFE campaign in Viet Nam. This year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) leads the coordination of the campaign, with support from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the University of Education, Vietnam National University (VNU-UEd), Hanoi Queer, Venus Social Enterprise and Finding a Self Through Life Writing Project. ############# Livestream of the 2022 UNFE event: In Vietnamese: The UN in Viet Nam Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/uninvietnam The University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi: https://www.facebook.com/daihocgiaoduc.daihocquocgia In English: The UN in Viet Nam Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@unvietnam6889 Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/2Cm7zdZOS About UN Free & Equal UN Free & Equal is an initiative launched by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2013 as a global UN public information campaign for equal rights and the fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people (LGBTIQ+) everywhere. UN Free & Equal has also supported national level campaigns and events in more than 40 countries around the world since its launch, including Viet Nam. UN Free & Equal Official Website: https://www.unfe.org/ About the UN in Viet Nam With the aim to build sustainable and inclusive state, the UN in Viet Nam is working together with Viet Nam in accelerating SDG achievement and other national development priorities in four strategic areas: Investing in People; Ensuring climate resilience and environmental sustainability; Fostering prosperity and partnership; and Promoting justice, peace and inclusive governance. UN in Viet Nam Official Website: https://vietnam.un.org/ About the University of Education, Vietnam National University (VNU-UEd) VNU-UEd is a high-quality training and research institution in education science and technology, applied for training teachers, education administrators and other human resources in the field of education. VNU-UEd Official Website: https://education.vnu.edu.vn/ About Hanoi Queer Hanoi Queer aims at a Viet Nam that is open and equal to LGBTQ people in the fields of education, culture, and society. The organization creates safe spaces, hosts and promotes community culture, and empowers LGBTQ communities while raising awareness and changing social attitudes towards LGBTQ people in Viet Nam. Hanoi Queer Official Website: https://queer.vn/ About Venus Social Enterprise Venus Social Enterprise is the very first transgender women (TGW) social enterprise in Viet Nam. In 2015, Venus was established as a community-based organization, led by TGW, for the TGW community. In the 5 years since, Venus has provided much needed HIV services to the transgender community in Ha Noi. In 2020, with the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)’s support through USAID/PATH Healthy Markets, Venus was granted a business certificate and officially became Venus Community Development and Consultancy Social Enterprise. Venus Social Enterprise Community Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dnxhvenus About Finding a Self through Life Writing Project Finding a Self through Life Writing Project, sponsored by the Alumni Grants Scheme under the Aus4Skills programme, is a community project targeting individuals who identify as women and trans men, who are migrant workers or ethnic minorities from the northern region of Viet Nam. The project focuses on using language and the practice of life writing to help women and trans men explore their identity and self, express and build a discourse of that identity with their own words. Finding a Self through Life Writing Project Official Website: https://www.timtoitrongchu.com/ For inquiries and media requests, please contact: Trịnh Anh Tuấn, Senior Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer, Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), UN in Viet Nam, tuan.trinh@un.org, +84 24 3850 0193 Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hương, Communication Officer, UNICEF Viet Nam, ntthuong@unicef.org, +84 24 3850 225 Follow news of the UN in Viet Nam on Twitter @uninvietnam ./. [1] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer.

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