Girls' Vision for the Future: Taking action to promote gender equality in Vietnam
WVR - Nearly 300 participants including education leaders, teachers, students from Vinh Long province, and representatives of United Nations agencies attended the event 'Girls' Vision for the Future' on October 12.
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| Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Vietnam Country Representative, at the event. (Source: UN Women) |
The event 'Girls' Vision for the Future' highlighted the crucial role girls play in shaping an equitable and inclusive future. It also celebrated the voices and contributions of teachers in advancing policies and fostering a more inclusive educational environment for all learners, including girls and called on the community to take action to promote gender equality in Vietnam.
The event was co-organized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province. It celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), World Teachers' Day (October 5), and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995-2025).
The event took place at Loc Hoa Secondary School in Long Ho District, Vinh Long province, one of five secondary schools participating in the “We are ABLE” Project, implemented by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Training, in coordination with the Department of Education and Training, and sponsored by CJ Group.
In line with the global theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” the event featured exhibitions, interactive games, and a poster competition, offering students opportunities to express their views on the role of girls and fellow students in shaping everyone’s futures. These activities encouraged interdisciplinary engagement across fine arts, literature, and other creative experiences.
Students also took part in the “Beijing+30 Bus Tour” organized by UN Women, which celebrated Vietnam’s achievements in promoting gender equality over the 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark document, ratified by 189 countries, including Vietnam, remains the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
The event also featured a panel discussion between inspiring female role models from the fields of education, sports, and science. Ms. Truong Thanh Nhuan, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province discussed the achievements and challenges in promoting equal education opportunities for girls in the region. Joining her were Professor Dang Thi Phuong Thao, lecturer at the University of Natural Sciences – Ho Chi Minh City National University and the only female professor of biology in 2023, who received a national scholarship from L'Oreal and UNESCO for her contributions to women in science; and national athlete Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, a former swimmer and sports coach known for her outstanding achievements and as a model of determination and confidence.
The discussion inspired students, particularly female students, to reflect on their aspirations, visualize their future, offered valuable lessons on resilience and determination. It encouraged them to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams with confidence.
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| UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker. (Source: UN Women) |
Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Vietnam Country Representative, said that the digital revolution, combined with the rise of ‘green jobs’, offers boundless opportunities. She emphasized the importance of teaching and learning STEM: “We must equip all our children, particularly girls, with the skills to succeed. If girls are not equally engaged in the digital and green economies, we risk leaving half of the population behind in the future of work.”
On this occasion, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, shared: "Today’s event also celebrates World Teachers' Day (October 5) under the theme ‘Valuing teachers' voices: towards a new social contract for education'. UNESCO encourages teachers and education leaders to raise their voices, ask critical questions, and seek solutions to help build a more engaging, equitable, and inclusive teaching and learning environments for all-paving the way for a sustainable future in Vietnam."
Through the event theme, the organizers aim to raise awareness about the importance of investing in girls' education and empowering them to overcome challenges and actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive future. The event also honors the voices and roles of teachers, particularly female teachers, in guiding and supporting the comprehensive development of girls.
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| It also celebrated the voices and contributions of teachers in advancing policies and fostering a more inclusive educational environment for all learners, including girls and called on the community to take action to promote gender equality in Vietnam. (Source: UN Women) |
