Thousands of women and children have had their awareness of gender-based violence improved.

Also attending were Ms. Tran Thi Bich Loan - Deputy Director of the Gender Equality Department - Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ms. Giang Thi Thu Thuy - Director of Hagar International in Vietnam, representatives of the Women's Union of Nghe An and Yen Bai provinces; and representatives of relevant departments and agencies. Photo: My Ha

The project "Enhancing the capacity of officials and raising public awareness to improve access to support services for women and children affected by gender-based violence" has been implemented since 2020 in four communes: Quynh Thang and Quynh Luong (Quynh Luu district - Nghe An province) and Binh Thuan and Minh An (Van Chan district - Yen Bai province).

Therefore, the aim is to help 100% of women and children who have experienced violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking in the project area increase their access to multidisciplinary support services based on trauma understanding for healing and recovery.

Ms. Tran Thi Bich Loan, Deputy Director of the Gender Equality Department, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, speaks at the workshop. Photo: My Ha

At the same time, it helps improve community awareness and attitudes about violence against women and children through communication campaigns in the community and schools.

Regarding gender-based violence, the 2019 National Survey on Violence Against Women and Children in Vietnam revealed that 63% had experienced one or more forms of violence.

In Nghe An province alone, nearly 8,400 cases of domestic violence were detected and handled between 2010 and 2020.

The project has yielded many positive results after three years of implementation. Photo: My Ha

To prevent and respond to gender-based violence, the project implemented a communication strategy with various themes and formats. In Nghe An, the project carried out 8 campaigns and 3 communication events on preventing sexual abuse, attracting thousands of people and students to participate.

In addition, more than 50,000 publications and 12 radio programs on gender-based violence prevention were broadcast to all residents in the project area.

Particularly during the complex Covid-19 pandemic, the project provided 800 welfare packages to women and children at risk of gender-based violence affected by Covid-19, and supported the construction of handwashing facilities for students at Quynh Thang Secondary School.

A short play about gender-based violence performed by members of the Nghe An Women's Union. Photo: My Ha.

At the end of the project, the knowledge of gender, gender-based violence, and related laws among the people and local officials in the four project communes showed positive changes. Perceptions of gender inequality showed signs of decreasing; people were better able to identify acts of violence and perpetrators; and awareness of the causes and consequences of violence against women and children also improved.

Specifically, the rate of violence against women and children who have experienced at least one act of gender-based violence has decreased significantly from 57.6% to 23%; 97.1% of victims of violence now know who or where to seek help. The project has provided support to 900 people affected by violence, enhanced the knowledge of 80% of staff, and improved the attitudes and awareness of 200,000 people regarding gender-based violence…

Delegates learn about the issue of gender-based violence. Photo: My Ha

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Tran Thi Bich Loan, Deputy Director of the Gender Equality Department, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, highly appreciated the effectiveness of the project.

In the future, to ensure the project's effectiveness, it is necessary to continue maintaining and expanding existing models, and to replicate the model of the One-Stop Service Center supporting victims of gender-based violence.

In addition, it is necessary to continue maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of rapid response teams and local officials responsible for this issue. At the same time, attention should be paid to developing household economies alongside communication and support in addressing violence against women and children.

Delegates from Nghe An and Yen Bai provinces pose for a commemorative photo at the project's concluding workshop. Photo: My Ha

Representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs also stated that many prejudices regarding gender equality still persist, and therefore the issue of gender-based violence remains highly problematic, causing harm to women and children. Meanwhile, the mechanisms and coordinated efforts of various departments and agencies are not yet truly effective, leading to many cases going undetected.

Therefore, in the coming period, it is necessary to improve institutions and policies on gender-based violence and gender equality. In addition, regulations are needed regarding the reception of information and the handling of victims of violence, avoiding discriminatory behavior. The effectiveness of communication efforts should continue to be enhanced, focusing on vulnerable groups; tailored to each region, local customs, age group, and gender.