Minister highlights Vietnam’s commitment to gender equality at UN forum

Vietnam will focus on completing its social welfare legal and policy system while prioritising the reform of social insurance and life-long learning for women and girls, and creating jobs for elderly and migration women, thus fulfilling the gender equality targets, stated Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) Dao Ngoc Dung.
An overview of the opening of the session of the 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (Photo: VNA)

An overview of the opening of the session of the 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on March 13, the minister highlighted Vietnam’s efforts towards achieving the goal, despite the challenges Vietnam and many other UN members are facing, such as expanding rich-poor gaps, aging populations and climate change.

Dung expressed his support for key issues on the agenda of the session, which he said demonstrate the harmonious combination of the International Human Rights Convention, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as well as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

He said that after 25 years of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, giant steps have been made in gender equality as well as women and children’s empowerment.

The CSW has become a leading forum on gender equality and a source of ideas, strategy and directions to improve gender equality for UN members, he said.

The integration and empowerment of women has brought significant positive impacts to each country, said Minister Dung, citing reports that show success in reducing income and non-income inequality through progressive policies in economy and society.

Inclusive growth and sustainable development is something all member countries are aiming for, he stated.

The minister affirmed the stance of Vietnam and many other UN members in considering ensuring social welfare the leading goal in national development. 

He underscored four key pillars in the field, including policies to promote sustainable employment and reduce poverty for women and girls; social insurance policies; social support policies; and policies ensuring basic social services.

At the session, the Vietnamese official highlighted several of Vietnam’s achievements of Vietnam in reducing gender inequality, noting that 71.2 percent of Vietnamese women are engaging in the workforce. The Vietnamese Government has committed to putting aside 2.6 percent of GDP for social support policies for disadvantageous groups, including women and girls. A survey from the Mastercard said the ratio of women business owners in Vietnam is 31.3 percent, ranking sixth among 57 surveyed countries. Vietnam is also among leading countries in the index of women’s opportunities and economic engagement.

He proposed that the review of 25 years of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action seek suitable recommendations at national, regional and global levels.

Stressing the need for stronger investment in social welfare, education, poverty reduction, economic empowerment and climate change response, the minister called on UN members to spend an adequate part of their GDP on social welfare services.

He cited researches showing that for every 2 percent of GDP spent on the services, the number of jobs will increase about 2.4-6.1 percent.

The 63rd session of the CSW is underway in New York until March 22 with the participation of more than 100 vice presidents, deputy prime ministers and ministers from countries around the world, along with representatives from multilateral and non-governmental organisations.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.