Action to promote gender equality, let girls take control of the future

On October 12, in Vinh Long province, nearly 300 delegates including education leaders, teachers, students, and representatives of United Nations agencies participated in the media event “Girls lead the future”.

Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Vietnam, speaking at the event. (Source: UN Women)

The “Girls Lead the Future” media event aims to recognize the important role of girls in building an equal future. The event also honors the voices and contributions of educators in the process of perfecting policies and educational environments that are more inclusive for all learners, including girls, and calls 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) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the Department of Education and Training (DET) of Vinh Long province.

This is an activity to celebrate International Day of the Girl (October 11), World Teachers' Day (October 5), and 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action (1995-2025).

This activity took place right at Loc Hoa Secondary School, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province, one of 15 secondary schools participating in the "We Can" Project implemented by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Training in coordination with the Department of Education and Training and sponsored by CJ Group.

Responding to the global theme “Girls lead the future”, exhibition activities, interactive games, and poster creation competitions provided opportunities for students to express their views and the role of girls and their friends in taking control of their future, their families, and society through interdisciplinary projects in fine arts, literature, and creative experiences.

The students also participated in the “Beijing+30 Bus Tour” organized by UN Women to recognize Vietnam’s achievements in gender equality in the 30 years of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a document ratified and actively implemented by 189 countries including Vietnam. This is also the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

In particular, the event also featured a live dialogue with influential female speakers in the fields of education, sports and science. Ms. Truong Thanh Nhuan - Director of the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province, shared about the achievements and challenges in promoting equal education for girls in the locality.

Also participating were Professor Dang Thi Phuong Thao, Lecturer at the University of Natural Sciences - Ho Chi Minh City National University, the only female professor in biology in 2023, who received a national scholarship from L'Oreal and UNESCO for the development of women in science; and athlete Nguyen Thi Anh Vien - Former swimmer, sports coach, who has achieved many outstanding achievements and is a model of determination and confidence.

The dialogue inspired students, especially female students, to connect with themselves, visualize their desired future, and gain many valuable lessons and advice on determination to overcome difficulties and challenges, helping them to be confident in pursuing their dreams and goals.

UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker highlighted the significance of the event. (Source: UN Women)

Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Vietnam, said that the digital revolution is taking place rapidly in the world and Vietnam, combined with the rise of green jobs, is bringing countless opportunities.

She stressed the importance of STEM education and learning: “We need to equip all children, especially girls, with the skills they need to succeed. If girls are not equally involved in the digital and green economies, we risk leaving half of our population behind in the competitive world of work of the future.”

On this occasion, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker shared: "Today's event also celebrates World Teachers' Day (October 5) with the theme 'Celebrating Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education'. UNESCO encourages teachers and education managers to raise their voices and seek answers to build a more engaging, equitable and inclusive teaching and learning environment for all for a sustainable future of Vietnam".

Through this theme, the organizers hope to raise awareness about the importance of investing in girls’ education and empowering them to overcome challenges and actively participate in creating a more inclusive future. At the same time, the event also honors the voice and role of teachers, especially female teachers, in guiding and supporting girls’ comprehensive development.

Responding to the global theme “Girls lead the future”, exhibitions, interactive games, and poster contests provided opportunities for students to express their views and the role of girls and their friends in taking control of their future, their families, and society through interdisciplinary projects in fine arts, literature, and creative experiences. (Source: UN Women)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hanh-dong-thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-de-tre-em-gai-lam-chu-tuong-lai-289881.html