Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports

PSNews - Recently, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, Guardian Girls International (GGI), and the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF) launched the global project Guardian Girls Vovinam (GGV) to empower women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports.

Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports -0
The signing of the MOU between Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of GGI, and Dr. Mai Huu Tin, Board President of WVVF, officially launched the global rollout of the GGV project in Vietnam.

The initiative of empowering women and girls through martial arts, specifically Vovinam, marks a significant milestone in connecting traditional Vietnamese martial arts with efforts to empower women and girls. The event also positions Vietnam as the first ASEAN country, and the first with an international sports federation headquartered in Southeast Asia, to formally join the GGI movement. 

Earlier, on the evening of September 16, at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam, Mr. Shin Koyamada, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of GGI, and Dr. Mai Huu Tin, President of the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially initiating the rollout of the GGV project in Viet Nam and globally.

Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports -1
Ambassador Ito, Dau Mot University President Doan Ngoc Xuan, Vovinam Grandmasters, UNFPA Rep Jackson, WVVF President Tin, WVVF VP Chien

Vietnam joins 22 other countries across five continents where GGI has initiated projects to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The GGV is the flagship project of GGI, an international NGO under the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF). The project is implemented exclusively in partnership with WVVF and its network of more than 60 national Vovinam federations worldwide. It harnesses the power of Vovinam, Viet Nam’s traditional martial art—not only a combat discipline combining strikes and holds, but also a symbol of physical strength rooted in philosophy and Vietnamese cultural identity.

Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports -2
Representative of UNFPA in Viet Nam Matt Jackson, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Naoki Ito and delegates at the launch ceremony of the GGV project on the morning of September 17.

Speaking at the event, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam Matt Jackson emphasized that sustainable solutions to end gender-based violence must be built on local culture, community-led initiatives, and multi-sectoral cooperation. Guardian Girls Vovinam, he said, is a clear example of this vision, as Vietnamese traditional martial arts are applied to equip women and girls with confidence, practical skills, and self-agency.

Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Naoki Ito affirmed Japan’s strong commitment to promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls. In 2021, through cooperation with UNFPA, Japan also supported the establishment and operation of three One-Stop Service Centers, known as Sunshine Homes, in Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to assist women and girls affected by gender-based violence.

Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports -3
GGV leverages Vovinam, a traditional Vietnamese martial art that integrates striking and grappling techniques, symbolizing both physical strength and philosophical depth. 
Empowering women and girls through Vietnamese martial arts and sports -4
Vovinam Demonstration

“Today, by joining the Guardian Girls Viet Nam project, we reaffirm this commitment while also honoring both innovation and tradition. Through Vovinam, a traditional martial art of Viet Nam, this initiative reflects the shared values of Japan and Viet Nam in promoting the rights, safety, and holistic development of women and girls”, Ambassador Ito stressed.

Therefore, the GGV project has introduced a new approach to bringing Viet Nam’s traditional martial arts to serve the community in a profound and humanitarian way. As Mr. Shin Koyamada shared: “This journey is especially meaningful as it begins in Viet Nam, the birthplace of Vovinam, where culture, tradition, and resilience are deeply woven into national identity. The GGV project is not only about martial arts or sports, but also about creating change, affirming self-worth, and ensuring the right to live free from fear.

By Kim Khanh

Other News

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Standing on the historic land of Quang Tri, alongside the Ben Hai River, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded of the true value of peace and the sacrifices made for national independence, freedom and reunification.