In her opening speech, Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thu Hien emphasised that Vietnamese women are a vital force in national development, adding that ensuring gender equality must be linked to human rights and become a core condition for sustainable development.
She stated that enhancing women’s opportunities to participate in People’s Councils at all levels requires a comprehensive approach, integrating scientific research, international experience, and Vietnamese practice. It demands coordinated efforts from the political system, social organisations, training institutions, and the wider community.
She expressed her belief that the workshop’s outcomes will serve as important references for policy advisory work and for supporting women’s candidacies in localities.
Irish Deputy Ambassador Ronan Cunniffe noted that Ireland prioritises promoting gender equality and women’s political participation in its development cooperation. He expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to improving opportunities for Vietnamese women in elected bodies.
Associate Professor Dr Tran Quang Tien, Director of the Viet Nam Women’s Academy, affirmed that strengthening women’s participation not only fulfils gender equality policies but also enhances governance quality and ensures more comprehensive representation in policy-making.
Discussions at the workshop centred on three main topics, including the role and voice of female People’s Council delegates at all levels, clarifying women’s contributions to building and implementing local policies; solutions to increase election opportunities for female candidates; and the advantages and challenges in women’s political participation, identifying factors that affect female candidates’ ability to succeed in politics.
