Partners of the Gender Equality and Girls Education Initiative in Viet Nam discuss improved project advancements

During the Midterm Review Briefing on January 19, 2017, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) hosted partners of the Gender Equality Initiative as well as UNESCO and members of UNFPA to discuss key findings and recommendation of the review. Feedback and discussions voiced through the meeting have been used to finalise the review.

The Midterm Review was carried out by two external consultants, between November 2016 and January 2017, with the following primary objectives:

1. To assess the relevance of project activities to the beneficiaries’ requirements, country needs, and global priorities; 

2. To determine the effectiveness of project activities and trainings in increasing the awareness and capacity of implementing partners and targeted groups; 

3. To measure collaboration and coordination efficiency among implementing partners, UNESCO, and other UN agencies, in regards to efficient use of resources such as funds, expertise and time; and 

4. To provide recommendations to address any gaps or deficiencies in effectiveness.

Findings based on over 100 in-depth interviews and online surveys with key partners, beneficiaries and target groups show that the Initiative is on track and is making significant contributions to gender equality in Viet Nam. This has been evidence through (i) strong alignment with government plans and priorities as well as those of the UN by addressing identified gender related challenges in the Education Sector, (ii) timely completion of many activities which has allowed for the development of additional supporting activities, and (iii) effective technical assistance provided by UNESCO through efficient management oversight of delivery of outputs and activities.

Recommendations in order to ensure the Initiative’s sustainability and longevity after 2017, include the encouragement of implementing partners to build upon project activities and to widely use the materials, reports, and communication products developed. 

Additionally, greater attention and effort should be directed towards addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in the Education Sector.

Together, H.E Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Nghia of MOET and Ms. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative a.i to Viet Nam, affirmed that stakeholders, target groups and partners of the Initiative have all benefited greatly from the Initiative thus far. Success of the Initiative’s ongoing progress has been attributed to strong communication among all key players as well as the strong commitment to quality performance.

Partners and beneficiaries have recognised the major effort exerted by MOET and UNESCO through their technical and financial support for the enhancement of the implementation of the legal right of girls and women to education specifically through gender mainstreaming in planning, curriculum and textbook development and awareness-raising on school related gender based violence. It is anticipated that this partnership will further continue after the completion of the project to support Viet Nam in its continuous efforts to achieve gender equality.

For more information, please contact Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Nhung, Gender Programme Manager, at tt.nhung@unesco.org