Strengthening Women’s Representation in Politics in Vietnam

 

The Australian Government is working with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) to strengthen the representation of women in political life in Vietnam. Ahead of next year’s National Congress, Australia is training 40 professional trainers and members of provincial Committees for the Advancement of Women from all around Vietnam. These women will then provide training and capacity-building for potential female political candidates in their home provinces. This first training program will be followed by further activities to assist the Government of Vietnam reach its target of a minimum 35 per cent of seats in the National Assembly and People’s Councils being occupied by women.

“This training will support potential female political candidates in developing and practicing the skills and techniques needed for public office – public speaking, persuasion, arguing for what you believe in even if you are a minority voice. Possession of these skills will also increase the confidence and self-assurance of those candidates and strengthen their chances of success” said Mr. Layton Pike, Chargé d’Affaires, Australian Embassy, at the launch of the training program in Hanoi. “The Australian Government is pleased to support MOLISA in increasing the pool of talented women candidates from across Vietnam”, he added.

Madam Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, Minister of MOLISA and Chairwoman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women welcomed the Australian Government’s support, and said at the launch “We were particularly impressed to see Ms Julie Bishop appointed as Australia’s first female Minister for Foreign Affairs. We look forward to our two countries continuing our cooperation in the field of gender equality and contributing to the empowerment of women and girls in the Indo-Pacific region”.

The Australian Government is providing A$223,000 to the Gender Equity Department of MOLISA. This funding is aimed at increasing the number of women elected to the National Assembly Legislature 16 as well as People's Councils in the period 2016 - 2020 through enhancing knowledge and skills for potential female candidates. It will also help to raise awareness of the importance of promoting women's political participation.

For further information, please contact:

Ms Dinh Thi Viet Anh, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Australian Embassy in Hanoi (phone: 04 3774 0232, email: [email protected]).