Launch of the National Action Month on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Response to 2024

On November 15, 2024, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), launched the 2024 National Action Month on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, under the theme: "Ensuring Social Welfare, Empowering and Enabling Women and Girls to Achieve Gender Equality and Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls."

The event was attended by Mr. Đào Ngọc Dung, Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and Chairperson of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in Viet Nam; Lieutenant General Lê Văn Tuyến, Deputy Minister Public Security, Madame Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam; leaders of central ministries and agencies; representatives from provincial Departments of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; ambassadors; representatives of international organizations, the private sector; and over 800 delegates from the People's Public Security Forces.

In recent years, the Party, State, and Government of Viet Nam have made significant efforts to ensure social welfare, promote gender equality, and prevent and respond to gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and children. Resolution No. 42-NQ/TW, dated November 24, 2023, from the 8th Plenary Session of the 13th Party Central Committee, emphasized that social policy must prioritize care for and empowerment of the people, centering the people as the core, driver, and resource for sustainable development.

In his opening remarks, Minister Đào Ngọc Dung highlighted:
"Social welfare, measures to promote equality, and attention to the legitimate needs and interests of women and children must remain priorities. Under this year’s theme, the National Action Month emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable, equitable, democratic society while ensuring social welfare, security, and safety for the people, especially for women and girls."

This year's launch event spotlighted the involvement of the People's Public Security Forces, marking their commitment to gender equality and to gender-based violence prevention and response.

Lieutenant General Lê Văn Tuyến underscored:
"The Ministry of Public Security has always directed the police forces at all levels to coordinate with relevant organizations in early detection, timely intervention, and proper handling of gender-based violence cases, illegal marriage brokerage, to protect victims and survivors. Alongside efforts to combat crimes against child abuse and human trafficking, these missions will continue to be a priority across the People's Public Security Forces."

With concerted efforts from ministries, agencies, and local governments, gender equality in Viet Nam has achieved remarkable progress:

• The representation of women in Party committees across terms has increased.
• Women occupy key leadership roles in 59% of ministries and equivalent agencies.
• Women hold key leadership positions in 74.6% of provincial governments.
• Female representation in the 15th National Assembly stands at 30.26%, surpassing global and regional averages.
• The gender gap across education levels has narrowed.
• Support services for survivors of gender-based violence have expanded and improved in quality.
• Women’s roles in the economy have strengthened, with numerous female entrepreneurs and executives recognized globally.

Additionally, Vietnamese female officers serving in UN peacekeeping missions have demonstrated the vital potential of women in addressing diverse challenges in the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, Viet Nam’s gender equality ranking rose to 72nd out of 146 countries, an 11-place improvement since 2022. On April 9, 2024, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected Viet Nam to the Executive Board of UN Women for the 2025–2027 term, affirming Viet Nam’s growing stature on the international stage.

Representing the UN in Viet Nam, Madame Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam stated: "The United Nations supports enhancing the capacity of the Vietnamese police in handling cases with sensitivity while ensuring that investigation processes are child-friendly, victim-friendly, gender-sensitive as well as gender responsive. Together, we have ensured that the police are fully equipped and trained to instill confidence and safety in women and children in reporting cases; and in seeking help from the authorities.”

Despite significant progress, challenges persist. Gender stereotypes remain a major barrier, gender imbalances at birth are still high, and child marriage and adolescent pregnancy remain prevalent in ethnic minority areas. Violence against women and children continues, with women disproportionately bearing the burden of household and caregiving responsibilities. Emerging issues such as population aging, climate change and natural disasters have significantly impacted the socio-economic development process and people's lives, with women and children are among the most affected groups. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive response from the entire political system and society at large. The formulation of policies and laws must go hand in hand with the responsibility and efforts of functional agencies in implementation to ensure that the laws are effectively applied in practice. Additionally, emphasis must be placed on the proactive and active roles of media agencies in changing traditional perceptions, gender stereotypes, and gender-based violence. More importantly, women and children themselves should also be proactive in sharing their experiences, seeking help to address issues of violence and abuse, and equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills to prevent these issues.

Minister Đào Ngọc Dung called on all ministries, agencies, organizations, local governments, international partners, media, and every person to commit to practical and effective actions promoting gender equality for the prosperity and happiness of all individuals, families, and society.

The National Action Month launch marked the start of a national communication campaign on gender equality and gender-based violence prevention & response. Following the ceremony, side events such as parades and martial arts demonstrations by the People’s Public Security Forces were held. Thousands of activities supporting the National Action Month are planned nationwide.

For more information, please contact:
Gender Equality Department, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs
Address: 12 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: +84 24 3825 3875
Email: vubdg@molisa.gov.vn