Women Empowerment

Proposal for Empowering Women for Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting women's empowerment is one of the strategic goals of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Vietnam until 2026. We believe that the participation of women is essential for achieving sustainable development goals.

When women are empowered, women can contribute more positively and strongly to economic growth, reduce social inequalities, and build a prosperous and inclusive community. For this reason, FNF Vietnam collaborates with partners in various activities such as research, seminars, conferences, and skill-building programs to create conditions that amplify women's voices in all aspects of life.

On October 21, 2024, in Hanoi, FNF Vietnam, in cooperation with the Institute of Psychology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), organized a scientific seminar titled "Empowering Women for Vietnam's Sustainable Development Goals." The event attracted participation from renowned experts and scholars from research institutes, social organizations, and government representatives.

The seminar aimed to assess the current situation, achievements, and challenges that Vietnam faces in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality. Additionally, solutions for empowering women in various fields were discussed.

Key Discussion Topics

At the seminar, seven presentations from experts focused on important aspects such as: • Education and training in the gender equality strategy until 2030. • The role of women in politics and governance. • Women's healthcare and safety. • Women's happiness index. • Economic empowerment of women. • Policies promoting gender equality in leadership and management.

In her speech at the seminar, Dr. Dang Thi Hoa, Acting Director of the Institute of Psychology, emphasized: “Gender equality truly exists when both men and women are equally valued and have opportunities to realize their potential, while also benefiting equally in all aspects of economic, political, and social development.”

Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang, Project Manager at FNF Vietnam, said: “We believe that empowering women is not only about creating equal opportunities but also encouraging them to unleash their potential and actively participate in Vietnam's sustainable development. Women can be pioneers in environmental protection, education promotion, and public health improvement. They can also lead in economic and political fields, contributing significantly to sustainable development.”

Gender Equality Strategy Implementation Solutions

The seminar also proposed several policy solutions to promote gender equality. According to Professor Nguyen Huu Minh, President of the Vietnam Sociological Association, to achieve substantial gender equality, it is necessary to focus on: • Improving the legal system and related policies. • Integrating gender equality into legal documents and economic-social development plans. • Enhancing communication and education to raise awareness of gender equality. • Developing services and databases to support gender equality.

Dr. Dang Thi Hoa also proposed adding practical indicators, continuing to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gender equality implementation at the local level, and improving related policies such as supporting education in disadvantaged regions and women's healthcare.

In Vietnam, FNF supports and partners with other organizations to build initiatives, proposals, and practical solutions to enhance women's empowerment. The seminar not only reviewed achievements but also opened up specific directions for FNF Vietnam and its strategic partners to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable Vietnam.