PANO - The Government of Australia on November 21 launched its first-ever Gender Equality Strategy for Vietnam in Hanoi.

The Strategy highlighting Australia’s priorities for improving the quality of life for women and girls in Vietnam. Photo for illustration: baodansinh.vn

The Strategy outlines Australia’s comprehensive support to Vietnam to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. It will be implemented by Australia’s diplomatic missions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City between 2016 and 2020 and cover all Australian Government agencies in Vietnam under a coordinated whole-of-Government approach.

The Strategy highlights Australia’s priorities for improving the quality of life for women and girls in Vietnam, and supports the Government of Vietnam in implementing its National Gender Equality Strategy 2011-2020. It focuses on three key areas to progressively close the gender gaps in Vietnam as enhancing women’s voice in decision-making and leadership; promoting women’s economic empowerment; and ending violence against women and girls.

“Gender equality is an important social policy priority for Vietnam, as it is for Australia. It is also smart economics”, said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick, adding that “Women bring particular perspectives, priorities and strengths from their own life experiences that contribute to the development of businesses, communities and the nation. Australia’s investment in women and girls in Vietnam will be an important contribution to Vietnam reaching its social and economic development objectives”.

Promoting women’s economic empowerment, including among ethnic minorities, is one of the three pillars of Australia’s development cooperation program with Vietnam for 2015-2020 period. With more than 10 million AUD invested in dedicated gender-related programming over the past few years, Australia is already one of the largest donors for advancing gender equality in Vietnam, and the Strategy ensures that the contribution will be focused and purposeful.

Chung Anh