Campaign launched to raise public awareness of violence against children and women

A campaign called “Blue Heart" to raise public awareness of the risks of violence against children and women was launched in Hanoi on June 4.

At the launching ceremony (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam)
At the launching ceremony (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam)

The campaign has been jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and its long-term partners UNICEF, UNFPA and UN WOMEN along with international non-governmental organisations including Save the Children, Plan International, World Vision, ChildFund and others.

The campaign calls for action from the public, parents/caregivers/family members, women, men, girls, boys, neighbours and teachers as well as local authorities to speak up against and report violence. It also aims to provide= knowledge and skills to women and children to prevent violence and abuse and improve the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of all those affected.

“No matter where violence happens, in what form, and who it impacts, it must be stopped. Strengthening services to respond effectively to violence against women and children during and after crises, including Covid-19, will enhance the preparedness and response strategy of Vietnam” said Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN WOMEN Representative in Vietnam.

“The Government of Vietnam has paid attention to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people and it has implemented emergency social protection measures to support those who are affected. Activities to protect children, to prevent violence, sexual abuse, online abuse and child injury have been carried out during the social distancing period when children stayed home or in quarantine centres. Vietnam has received great support from UNICEF and other international organizations working for children. We have learnt valuable lessons on how to better protect children and women in an emergency situation”, said Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Children’s Affairs Department at MOLISA.

The Blue Heart campaign is part of the Month of Action for Children, which is celebrated in Vietnam in June every year. Several celebrities and influencers including Bao Thanh, H’Hen Nie, Hoang Bach, Minh Trang, Trong Hieu, Kim Ly, Duy Khoa and Xuan Bac. are lending their voices to support the campaign by amplifying the message to protect children and women.

The campaign also features a title song, “Under the Same Sky” performed by singer Trong Hieu alongside a series of international artists to promote love, mutual protection and equality.