Photo exhibition “Vietnamese female soldiers in UN peacekeeping operations” – A place to honor Vietnam’s steel roses

The exhibition is not only a place to recognize and honor the role of women in peacekeeping activities, but also a forum to share experiences and seek new directions to promote the active and meaningful participation of women in this field. The event is also a testament to Vietnam's commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and to respond to the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Delegates attending the opening of the exhibition

At the opening ceremony, Ms. Tran Lan Phuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union, shared: "Today's exhibition is of great significance in recognizing, honoring and encouraging more active contributions of Vietnamese female soldiers participating in United Nations peacekeeping. This is a concrete step to realize the National Action Program on Women, Peace and Security issued by the government in early 2024."

Ms. Tran Lan Phuong - Vice President of Vietnam Women's Union spoke at the event.

“The photos you see today are a tribute to the women in UN peacekeeping operations. They are a testament to the resilience and joint efforts of women and men on the road to peace,” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Viet Nam.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi - Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Vietnam speaking at the event

The highlight of the exhibition is the exchange and sharing program from the female green beret soldiers themselves - those who have overcome harsh challenges in conflict zones around the world . Accompanying them are not only successes but also difficulties and silent sacrifices. Their stories have opened up a realistic and emotional view of this extremely difficult job. Lieutenant Colonel Do Thi Hang Nga - Former Deputy Director of Field Hospital 2.4, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), term 2021-2022 shared: " The difficulties for peacekeeping forces, especially for women, are more specific than for men. We do not want to share much about those difficulties here because we are female soldiers in the Vietnam People's Army, always determined: Every mission must be completed, every difficulty must be overcome ".

Colonel Mac Duc Trong and female soldiers of the United Nations peacekeeping force interact with the audience.

During the event, many valuable souvenirs were presented to the Museum by representatives of the peacekeeping forces. These include a certificate of merit from the Catholic Church in Abyei, where soldiers participated in building five kindergarten classrooms, while also helping to dig wells and providing food and clothing to the people; a scarf and unfinished pillowcase, a gift from the Sudanese rural women's association, along with a medal for contributions to the peacekeeping cause; a backpack given by a Portuguese colleague with the wish that the backpack would become luggage for her future missions. All the souvenirs carry their own stories, vivid evidence of the dedication and silent sacrifice of peacekeepers. They are not only symbols of courage, responsibility and national pride, but also a profound source of inspiration for future generations.

Representative of Vietnam Women's Museum received souvenirs donated by peacekeeping forces

Nguyen Thu Huong, a first-year student at the Vietnam Women's Academy, shared after attending the event: “ When I stood in front of these photos, I was truly moved and proud. It was not only the beauty of the female soldiers, but more importantly their resilience and courage when standing at the front line to keep world peace. The exhibition helped me understand more about their silent sacrifices, which I had only heard about through the news before and had never felt so deeply .”

Students of Vietnam Women's Academy share their feelings

Some photos from the event:

Delegates take photos at the event

Delegates take photos at the event

Delegates attending the event

Performing arts at the event

Delegates visiting the exhibition

Female officers and students visit the exhibition

The exhibition will continue to serve the public from October 25 to November 8 at the Vietnamese Women's Museum, 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Source: https://baotangphunu.org.vn/trien-lam-anh-nu-quan-nhan-viet-nam-trong-hoat-dong-gin-giu-hoa-binh-lien-hop-quoc-noi-ton-vinh-nhung-bong-hong-thep-viet-nam/