Promoting the pioneering role of ethnic minority youth in promoting gender equality

Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh, former Deputy Minister, Vice Chairwoman of the Ethnic Committee, discusses gender prejudices and gender stereotypes.

How are gender stereotypes and prejudices negatively affecting gender equality in ethnic minority areas, Madam?

Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh: Although in recent years, the Party and the State have had many policies to support socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas. Especially recently, the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority Areas has been implemented synchronously with two other National Target Programs nationwide, but ethnic minority areas still face many difficulties that need to be further resolved. Currently, the provinces in ethnic minority areas have achieved universal primary education, illiteracy eradication, and universal secondary education, but the phenomenon of re-illiteracy still exists in a part of the population, access to social services is limited, information is lacking, or information is incomplete, good cultural identity is promoted alongside the existence of backward customs that persist in life.

In addition, the situation of early marriage and consanguineous marriage continues to increase in some places, including in urban areas. Gender stereotypes still weigh heavily on the psychology of both men and women when they begin to build their own lives, causing a lack of confidence in young people, hindering the development of talents, personal aspirations and creativity. Inferiority due to prejudices of both men and women has become a barrier to restrain personal abilities, preventing individuals from having the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in all areas of social life. This will create social gaps, reducing good human resources for development; especially in remote areas, ethnic minority areas and mountainous areas.

Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh talks with students of the Central Ethnic University Preparatory School

According to you, what advantages do ethnic minority men and women have to play a pioneering role in promoting gender equality?

Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh: In every era, young people are an important force in society, the future of each nation, of each country, the subject of positive changes in the present. In the revolution against gender prejudices and stereotypes, the role of young men and women becomes extremely important. They are the ones who are affected by stereotypes, but they are the proactive factors, leading changes in the community.

In order for young people to become agents of change in their own circumstances from gender prejudice and gender stereotypes, they need active support from leaders, organizational strength, social activists, and experts both spiritually and materially; in which knowledge and belief are extremely necessary. Ethnic minority men and women are the main subjects in changing this issue.

In practice today, promoting gender equality and breaking down gender stereotypes is an important task for the sustainable development of society. In particular, ethnic minority men and women are truly an important force in the ethnic minority community in many fields. It must be affirmed that they play a pioneering role in changing gender stereotypes and breaking down stereotypes.

With their youthfulness, dynamism, receptivity and access to the latest trends in society with diverse sources of information, through the media, social networks and modern educational programs and through their own interactions with the community in the region and the whole country, even internationally. When they realize their rights and obligations as citizens, their responsibilities to life, and recognize the injustices and deviations in existing gender stereotypes and gender stereotypes, they see the need for change.

Ethnic minority youth play an important role in promoting gender equality and gender stereotypes.

The advantage of young men and women is to mobilize their families, clans and people who are heavily influenced by gender stereotypes that are dominating their lives to change. When they have the conditions, especially with the help of organizations, they can take reasonable actions to challenge outdated concepts and introduce new, more progressive values ​​of gender equality to their communities. The Youth Union organizes talks during festivals or village holidays; organizes communication campaigns to broaden knowledge and introduce new advances to prestigious people, village elders and village chiefs.

In particular, young people have many opportunities to apply their ethnic cultural values ​​to change gender stereotypes. A typical example is the integration of messages about gender equality in cultural and artistic activities (folk songs, folk dances, competitions, operas, etc.). This not only helps change community awareness and liberate oneself, but also preserves and develops local culture in a more progressive direction.

In your opinion, what solutions are needed to promote the pioneering role of ethnic minority youth in changing gender prejudices and gender stereotypes?

To promote the pioneering role of ethnic minority men and women in changing gender stereotypes and gender stereotypes, there must be immediate solutions and specific, effective strategies that are appropriate to the cultural and social context of each community.

It is necessary to include more and more substantive content on gender equality, human rights, and life skills in education programs at all levels, especially in areas with large ethnic minority populations. This helps young people better understand their rights and roles in society, thereby realizing the need to eliminate gender stereotypes and having the desire to change.

In addition, it is necessary to increase the organization of programs, seminars, training courses, and communication campaigns related to local socio-economic development, raising awareness of gender equality in the community. Provide training courses on leadership, project management and communication skills so that young people can proactively participate in and lead social activities, thereby becoming pioneers in changing gender stereotypes.

Ethnic minority men and women are the main actors in changing gender stereotypes and gender stereotypes.

In particular, encourage and support ethnic minority youth to participate in economic development activities through the “Aspiration to Start a Business, Brighten the Village” program. Provide small loans, technical assistance and skills training to help them start their own businesses. When young people become successful entrepreneurs, they can challenge stereotypes about gender roles in economics and leadership.

Establish youth clubs, youth groups or clubs in the locality, in schools where they can share experiences, learn from each other and discuss together issues related to social culture, issues surrounding the push back against backward customs, develop humanistic values; gender equality. These clubs can also organize social activities, create playgrounds for young people and promote progressive gender values ​​very effectively.

Connecting with national and international movements not only broadens their horizons but also helps them learn from the successful experiences of youth from other countries in breaking gender stereotypes. Promote youth representation in leadership: Support and encourage ethnic minority youth to take on leadership roles in their communities and organizations. When youth hold these positions, they can use their power and influence to promote policies and actions towards gender equality.

Thank you very much!

Project 8 Models: Positive Impact on the Lives of Women and Children in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/phat-huy-vai-tro-tien-phong-cua-thanh-nien-dtts-trong-thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-1729188211441.htm