All women and children in Vietnam are able to live a life free from violence: Australian official
VWVR - Australia reaffirms its commitment to working with Vietnam to eliminate violence against women and children, create safer communities, and promote gender equality.
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| Development Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam Ms. Naomi Cook at the inauguration of the One-stop service Centre - Anh Duong House in Hoa Binh province on January 9. (Photo: Ngọc Anh) |
On the occasion of the inauguration of the One-stop service Centre - Anh Duong House in Hoa Binh province, Ms. Naomi Cook, Development Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, spoke with The World and Vietnam Report about the cooperation between Vietnam and Australia to eliminate violence against women and children, create safer communities, and promote gender equality.
Why did the Government of Australia fund the establishment and operation of the One-stop service Centre model in Vietnam?
The Australian Government is proud to support Government of Vietnam, in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam, to establish and operate the One-stop service Center - Anh Duong House in Hoa Binh province.
This is part of Australia and Vietnam’s shared commitment to addressing gender-based violence. This investment reflects Australia’s dedication to working with Vietnam to eliminate gender-based violence and ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to live a life free from violence and discrimination.
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities, and it requires comprehensive, coordinated responses to effectively tackle its root causes and support survivors.
The One-Stop Service Center model aims to create safe, accessible spaces where survivors of violence, particularly women and girls, can access essential, comprehensive, and integrated services, including health care, psychological support, counselling, social welfare services, emergency shelters, police protection, legal and justice services, and referrals.
By funding this initiative, Australia seeks to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity to provide effective protection and support to survivors while promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
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| The opening ceremony of the One-stop service Centre - Anh Duong House in Hoa Binh province. (Photo: Ngọc Anh) |
Under the framework of the project “Elimination of violence against women and children in Vietnam in 2021-2025”, what are other activities that Australia is funding now to support Vietnam to eliminate gender-based violence?
Under the framework of the project ‘Elimination of violence against women and children in Vietnam 2021-2025,’ the Australian Government is funding a range of activities to support Vietnam’s efforts to address gender-based violence comprehensively. Key activities include:
Firstly, policy support. Through UNFPA, we have assisted the Vietnamese Government to strengthen the legal framework for addressing domestic violence, including the revision of the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence.
This work ensures that laws and policies are aligned with international standards and effectively protect survivors while holding perpetrators accountable.
Secondly, improved services for victims. In addition to the One-stop service Centers, we are supporting various victim-centered services such as legal aid, healthcare, psychological counseling, and safe shelter at the Peace House Shelters, and Hung Vuong hospital in Ho Chi Minh city.
These services aim to provide holistic support to survivors and facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.
Thirdly, prevention measures. Preventing violence is just as important as responding to it. Australia is funding public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives to change harmful norms and behaviors, promote gender equality, and reduce the acceptance of violence.
Fourthly, data and knowledge. Accurate data is critical to understanding the scope of gender-based violence and crafting effective solutions. We are supporting efforts to improve data collection and analysis, enabling evidence-based policymaking and the development of targeted interventions.
Through these activities, Australia reaffirms its commitment to working with Vietnam to eliminate violence against women and children, create safer communities, and promote gender equality.
Vietnamese Tet is around the corner. Is there anything you would like to say to the Vietnamese women in Tet holiday?
I have just started my time in Vietnam. I am very fortunate to be living and working here - a beautiful country with friendly and lovely people.
Vietnamese women are very strong and capable. On the occasion of the new year, I would like to wish Vietnamese women will be able to contribute to the strong socio-economic development of Vietnam.
Thank you!
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| Anh Duong House in Hoa Binh province was established under the project “Elimination of violence against women and children in Vietnam 2021–2025” with the funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia. The project’s goals include that all women and children in Vietnam, including those most vulnerable, are able to live a life free from violence. |
| The One-Stop Service Centre, which is called in Vietnam as “Anh Duong House" (Sunshine House), aims to detect, prevent, and support survivors of violence. It was first opened in Quang Ninh in April 2020 by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) with technical and financial support from UNFPA in partnership with KOICA. In early 2022, MOLISA kicked off another Anh Duong House in Thanh Hoa with technical support from UNFPA. In June 2022, the two additional OSSCs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City were set up to support survivors of gender-based violence by CSAGA, given its experience with gender-based violence and its close partnerships with local and international organisations and government agencies at all levels. |
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 | Opening Anh Duong House - One stop Service Centre in Hoa Binh province |
