Addressing the event, Nhien spoke highly of both the spiritual and the material support that the federation gave to Vietnam during the war against the US invaders. She shared the achievements and difficulties that Vietnamese women are facing, including the consequence of the use of Agent Orange/dioxin by the US Army during the war.
The VWU’s Vice President also spoke about challenges to peace and stability in the East Sea.
She affirmed that the VWU, as a responsible member of the federation, was willing to share its experience and foster connectivity with progressive women’s unions around the world. At the congress, the VWU donated US$2,000 to the federation.
The Vietnamese delegation also delivered a speech on climate change at the congress debate.
Vietnam proposed that the congress issue a resolution supporting Vietnam’s Agent Orange/dioxin victims, as well as peace, stability and adherence to international law in the East Sea. Those points were later included in the congress’ resolution.
The Vietnamese team also had meetings with their counterparts from the Philippines, Japan, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Cyprus.
The event drew 255 delegates from 64 WIDF member organisations in 44 countries across the world.
Participants highlighted the challenges facing women today, including those relating to war and conflict, food security and climate change, labourers’ rights and cultural diversity.
They demonstrated their determination to build a federation of solidarity and renovation, promoting its 70-year tradition of struggling for peace, democracy and equality for women.
The congress elected Lorena Peña from El Salvador President of the WIDF for the 2016-2020 period. Participants also selected ten vice presidents and five coordinators in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Arab countries.
On the occasion of the congress, the VWU delegation also had working sessions with representatives from the Colombian President’s Office and Bogotá City’s Secretariat of Women Issues.
