The challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution to gender equality in Vietnam: How to resolve them?

The topic "Research and comprehensive assessment of gender equality for sustainable development" recently announced by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences shows that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is posing both opportunities and challenges for gender equality in Vietnam.

Vietnam elected to UN Women Executive Council for 2025 - 2027 term

From a legal perspective, Vietnam is one of the pioneering countries in integrating gender equality (GEE) into the legal system, creating a solid legal corridor to protect women's rights.

Over the past three decades, many important policies and laws have been issued and amended to conform to global progressive trends such as: Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW dated April 27, 2007 of the Politburo on women's work in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country; Law on Gender Equality 2006; Law on Marriage and Family 2014; Law on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking 2011; Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence 2022; Decree No. 70/2008/ND-CP dated June 4, 2008 of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Gender Equality; Decree No. 39/2015/ND-CP dated April 27, 2015 of the Government stipulating support policies for poor ethnic minority women when giving birth in accordance with population policies;...

In addition, Vietnam has issued and implemented many programs to enhance women’s leadership capacity, especially in state agencies and political organizations. These programs have provided many women with opportunities to study and improve their knowledge and skills in leadership and management, while helping to break down cultural and social barriers regarding women’s role in politics.

According to statistics, the proportion of female deputies to the XV National Assembly (2021-2026 term) is currently over 30%, the highest since the VI National Assembly. The proportion of female deputies to People's Councils at all levels is 29%, higher than the previous term. A research report conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnam Sociological Association and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, published in August 2024, shows that by June 2024, nationwide, the proportion of women participating in provincial Party committees is 15.96%, at the district level is 19.63% and at the commune level is 24.77%...

The remarkable progress that has helped Vietnam be elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the 2025-2027 term affirms its persistent commitment to the journey of empowering women.

Opportunities and challenges

The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences has just announced the results of a national study on gender equality to share the results of the project "Research and comprehensive assessment of gender equality for sustainable development" analyzing the current situation and issues in 7 key areas: politics, leadership, management; education, training, science and technology; economy, labor - employment; health care; family; prevention and response to gender-based violence; response to climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, environmental disasters.

The study was conducted over a period of 5 years, with 9,094 participants, of whom 44.5% were men. The survey sample consisted of 7,124 people, randomly selected from 12 provinces and cities representing regions of Vietnam, 1,250 workers in 6 industrial zones and 720 students from 5 universities, with the oldest born in 1936, the youngest born in 2009, trying to ensure enough characteristics of Vietnam's population to be able to cover and measure different aspects of gender equality in Vietnam.

According to the President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Dr. Phan Chi Hieu emphasized that gender equality in the direction of promoting women's advancement has always been a priority focus in the country's development policy to promote women's potential in all areas of social life. Over the past years, the Party and State have issued many important policies from the micro to macro levels to strengthen gender equality, protect women's rights and promote women's participation in socio-economic fields.

Dr. Phan Chi Hieu commented that although Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest rate of narrowing the gender gap in Southeast Asia, and has achieved many achievements in promoting gender equality, there are still major challenges that need attention.

Sharing important findings from the study, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Science Information, Head of the research project, pointed out that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is posing both opportunities and challenges for gender equality in Vietnam. The strong development of information technology can create many new opportunities for women in accessing knowledge, employment and business. However, this can also increase inequality if women are not fully equipped with skills and knowledge to adapt to changes in the labor market.

Therefore, according to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, Vietnam needs to have policies to support women in accessing technology, improving their professional qualifications and digital skills. This will not only help narrow the gender gap but also maximize women's potential in socio-economic development.

In addition, according to Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, changing social awareness about gender equality plays an important role; it is necessary to promote communication campaigns to raise awareness about the role of women in the family and society, thereby contributing to eliminating traditional gender stereotypes that are hindering women's development... Report 102/BC-CP of the Government dated February 15, 2025 also clearly stated 4 targets in the gender equality target for 2025, in which the issue of reducing the average number of hours of unpaid housework and care for women to 1.7 times in 2025 and 1.4 times in 2030 compared to men is given top priority.

Within the framework of cooperation between the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the Vietnam Law Newspaper to discuss Vietnam's achievements in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, in an interview, Ms. Dang Hoang Oanh - Deputy Minister of Justice gave advice to the current generation of young women, especially those who wish to participate in leadership and decision-making positions: "I hope that young people will believe in their own abilities and constantly develop their professional skills as well as social skills. In a rapidly changing world, women need to seize the opportunity to continuously learn, improve their knowledge and be flexible in the face of new developments.

In addition, young women need to practice soft skills such as time management, effective communication and teamwork. These are essential skills for managing work and building relationships in the workplace. Confidence is an important factor to help women overcome gender stereotypes. Women need to defend their personal views, promote their abilities and demonstrate results through actions and work efficiency... Finally, do not be afraid of failure. Every failure is just a stepping stone to success and from difficulties, women will hone their mettle and ability to overcome barriers. Dare to take risks, step out of their comfort zone and continuously learn will help young women not only achieve leadership positions but also contribute more to society."

Hong Minh