Building Vietnamese women to develop and integrate with modern values

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a congratulatory speech at the Congress. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

Dear leaders and former leaders of the Party and State!

Dear Presidium of the Congress!
Dear Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, delegates and distinguished guests!

Today, I am very pleased to attend the 13th National Women's Congress - an important event in the country's socio-political life, determining the direction and strategic vision for women's work and gender equality in the coming time. This is also a great festival for Vietnamese women.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I warmly welcome the distinguished guests, the heroic Vietnamese mothers, and the 959 official delegates - outstanding women from all over the country, who have gathered in the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi to attend the Congress. I would like to send to you, the delegates, comrades, friends and all women across the country my warmest greetings, kind regards and best wishes. I wish the Congress great success!

Dear Congress!

Throughout the history of building and defending the country, regardless of the period or circumstances, with their mettle, will, determination, compassion, kindness, sacrifice and efforts to rise up, Vietnamese women have overcome all adversities, barriers, prejudices, difficulties and obstacles, making great contributions and dedications, contributing to the solid construction and protection of the beautiful country of Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh praised: “Our women are not ordinary; fighting the East and the North set an example for all generations.” He also gave Vietnamese women eight golden words: “Heroic, indomitable, loyal, and courageous.”

In recent years, the women's movement and gender equality in our country have achieved great achievements. Accounting for more than 50% of the population and nearly 48% of the social workforce, Vietnamese women are present and actively participate in all areas of economic and social life, in all regions of the country. Women of all classes have promoted the tradition of solidarity and creativity in studying, working and working; achieved many outstanding achievements in the fields of politics, economics, culture, society, security, national defense, foreign affairs...; are a particularly important factor in building a prosperous, equal, progressive and happy family; preserving and promoting the national cultural identity; contributing to maintaining political security, social order and safety; enhancing the role, position and prestige of our country in the international arena.

The report of the Vietnam Women's Union presented at the Congress was very profound, comprehensive and complete. Looking back over the past 5 years, Vietnamese women and all levels of the Union have actively and effectively participated in the common efforts of the political system and the whole society, helping the country overcome many difficulties and challenges, successfully implementing key goals and tasks, achieving many very important and quite comprehensive achievements, creating outstanding marks. The material and spiritual life of women has been increasingly improved. The role of the subject and the influence of women in the family and society have been increasingly enhanced. The women's movement continues to develop, making positive contributions to the innovation of the Party, State and people in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

The proportion of women participating in leadership and management work is increasing. The proportion of female committee members at all levels has increased compared to the previous term. The proportion of female National Assembly deputies is over 30%, higher than the world and regional average, ranking first in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Council of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The proportion of female officials and ministerial-level agencies with key female leaders is 50%. The human resources of female scientific researchers have increased significantly.

The rate of women-owned enterprises reached 26.5%, ranking 9th out of 58 countries and economies studied; many female entrepreneurs are prestigious and highly ranked in the region and the world. In the fields of culture and sports, many women have won regional and international awards. Female ambassadors, female diplomats, female police officers, female soldiers participating in UN peacekeeping activities have become "messengers" of peace, friendship, cooperation and development of our country in foreign affairs activities...

It can be affirmed that the persistent and great contributions of successive generations of Vietnamese women have increasingly enhanced the fine traditions of Vietnamese women and continued to affirm the praise of beloved Uncle Ho: "The brocade mountains and rivers of Vietnam are woven and embroidered by our women, young and old, to make them more beautiful and brilliant."

Dear Congress!

Over the past 5 years, the Vietnam Women's Union has actively and effectively implemented the Resolution of the 12th National Women's Congress with 2 breakthroughs, 3 key tasks, and 6 major groups of solutions. The Union has promoted its core role in women's work and gender equality; increasingly performed its function of representing, caring for, and protecting the legitimate and legal rights and interests of women. The Union is a bridge between the Party and its members and women; participated in building the Party, government, and political system, and building the great national unity bloc.

I appreciate the fact that the Vietnam Women's Union has proactively researched and proposed contents to promote gender equality in the 3 National Target Programs for the period 2021-2025 and chaired the implementation of the content "Cultivating Vietnamese family values" in the National Target Program on new rural construction.

The Union at all levels has proactively improved the apparatus of specialized agencies, improved working methods and styles, and enhanced the capacity of staff. The content and methods of operation continue to be innovated, focusing on the grassroots, close to the target group of members and women; there are many solutions to expand solidarity, attract, mobilize, and propagate women of all classes; strengthen coordination with all levels, sectors, and the whole society to solve many problems of women, families, and children...

The Association has well organized the emulation movement "Women actively study, work creatively, build happy families" and two campaigns "Training moral qualities: self-confidence, self-respect, loyalty, responsibility", "Building a family of 5 no, 3 clean"; effectively implemented the Program Accompanying women in the border areas. The Association has many very creative and effective models to support, help and protect women and children such as "TYM Microfinance Organization"...

Over the past two years, in the context of the country facing many difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting the highest spirit of solidarity, mutual love, responsibility, the Union at all levels together with cadres, members, and women nationwide have unanimously and joined efforts to actively participate in the fight against the epidemic with many good practices, creative and effective models. Many practical and meaningful programs have been organized, bearing the mark of the Union and women, contributing to multiplying trust and spreading good deeds in the community and society. Typical programs are "Godmother", "Millions of gifts to share love"...

In particular, many female medical staff and female soldiers have put aside all their personal concerns and volunteered to go to the front line to fight the epidemic to save every breath and life of patients affected by the Covid-19 epidemic. Many female entrepreneurs, poor mothers, nuns, female artists, grandmothers, mothers, sisters... regardless of age, profession, religion or young girls in difficult areas, save every penny, save every bunch of vegetables, eggs, kilos of meat... to send to the front line.

Those noble actions and gestures have affirmed the role and contribution of the Association, joining hands with the political system to achieve "multi-objectives", both effectively preventing and fighting the epidemic, recovering and developing the socio-economy, taking care of social security; firmly ensuring national defense, security, order, social safety and actively integrating deeply into the international community.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, I warmly congratulate, acknowledge and commend the great achievements of the women's movement and the Vietnam Women's Union in the past term. Welcoming, acknowledging and thanking the close leadership and direction of Party committees at all levels, the close coordination of the government, the Fatherland Front, ministries, branches, and organizations, and the support and assistance of the people and the business community in the work of women and gender equality.

On this occasion, I would also like to thank the support and effective cooperation of international friends and partners in the cause of promoting gender equality, the development of Vietnamese women and children and the Association.

Dear comrades, delegates and guests!

In addition to the positive and significant results mentioned above, we also frankly point out that, over the past 5 years, the women's movement and the activities of the Women's Union still have shortcomings, limitations and face many difficulties and challenges. The movement is not really comprehensive, strong, and even, and has not yet fully aroused and promoted the potential and creativity of women in all fields.

In some places, the way of organizing emulation movements and campaigns is still formal, unattractive and impractical. The work of propaganda, education and building women to develop comprehensively has not met the requirements. Grasping the thoughts and feelings; understanding and sharing the difficulties in life and work of members and women in some localities is still limited. The effectiveness of coordination, resource mobilization, supervision and social criticism has not been as expected. The concretization of the Party and State's policies and guidelines in some areas and for women is still slow. Awareness and actions to protect the safety of women and children have not changed significantly. The role of representatives as well as speaking up to protect women and children in some cases of abuse is not really strong, practical and effective...

With respect and a high sense of responsibility towards women across the country, I propose that delegates attending the Congress exchange, discuss, and clearly analyze the causes, especially the subjective and internal causes of the Women's Union, to find solutions to overcome and further improve the quality and effectiveness of the women's movement and the Union's activities in the coming time.

Dear Congress, dear delegates!

The 13th National Women's Congress took place in the context that after more than 35 years of renovation, the country's position, prestige and potential have been raised, creating new positions and strengths for women. Opportunities, advantages and difficulties, challenges are intertwined: the fourth industrial revolution; increasingly deep international integration; natural disasters, epidemics, climate change and non-traditional security issues; global economic crisis; armed conflicts; rapid industrialization and urbanization; population aging; gender inequality... strongly impacting the lives, jobs, and movements of women, as well as the organization and activities of our Women's Union.

Women have more high-income jobs, but the risk of unemployment for female workers with limited qualifications and expertise is increasing. Women have many opportunities to be creative, develop the economy, and improve their lives, but women in mountainous, remote, border, and island areas, women from ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, single women, the elderly, and migrant women... will face more difficulties in the current situation. The gap between rich and poor and the difference in benefits between groups of women is increasing.

In addition, there are many issues that negatively affect women that need continued attention and resolution, such as: Poverty, epidemics, domestic violence, drugs, prostitution, HIV/AIDS infection, especially violence, abuse, and trafficking of women and children, which are increasingly sophisticated, complicated, and serious; increasing new types of crimes, high-tech crimes related to women and children...

To achieve the country's development goals in the coming time, it is necessary to promote the strength of national solidarity, in which the role of our women is very important. The 13th National Party Congress has pointed out: Promoting the tradition, potential, strengths and spirit of mastery, the aspiration to rise of all classes of women; building Vietnamese women of the new era; improving the quality of female human resources, meeting the requirements of sustainable development and international integration; strengthening development programs, supporting the updating of knowledge, techniques and skills for women in difficult circumstances, ethnic minority areas, mountainous areas; perfecting and implementing well the laws and policies related to women, children and gender equality; resolutely and strictly handling social evils, acts of violence, trafficking and abuse of women and children according to the law.

I basically agree with the direction and tasks for the 2022-2027 term, the goals, breakthroughs and key tasks set out in the Congress's report. In the coming period, so that the Association can affirm and enhance its core role in women's work, become a professional and effective organization, proactively participate in solving women's issues, and mobilize society to achieve gender equality goals in the region and internationally, I would like to emphasize and suggest a number of issues for the Congress to discuss, consider and decide:

Firstly, women and the Vietnam Women's Union need to grasp, thoroughly grasp and concretize the viewpoints, policies and guidelines of the Party, especially the Documents of the 13th National Party Congress; have specific, strong and feasible solutions and measures to bring the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State into life. Strengthen propaganda, education and mobilization of women of all walks of life to effectively implement the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State, promote the role, potential and strengths of women in all fields and localities; at the same time, do a better job of caring for and protecting the legitimate and legal rights and interests of women. Focus on synchronously implementing solutions to build Vietnamese women to develop and integrate with the values ​​of the times associated with preserving and promoting the traditional values ​​of the Vietnamese people: patriotism, solidarity, loyalty, responsibility, self-reliance, loyalty, honesty, responsibility, creativity and comprehensive development.

Closely link the movements, campaigns and activities of the Association with the political tasks and socio-economic development of the locality and the country. Ensure the interests of the association, its members and women are linked to the national and ethnic interests. Proactively propose to competent authorities for the Association to participate in solving practical issues of concern to society and women such as: Building housing facilities, kindergartens and organizing activities to serve the cultural and spiritual life of female workers in industrial zones; supporting elderly women, single women, women in difficult and disadvantaged circumstances, orphans, etc.

Second, the Women's Union at all levels needs to continue to improve its organization, innovate its content and methods of operation to become a professional and effective organization for the comprehensive development of women and the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. Continue to affirm its role and position as a pioneering organization for gender equality and the development of Vietnamese women, with influence in the region and in the international arena.

It is necessary to diversify the content of activities, focus on the grassroots; grasp the situation and handle well the problems arising from the grassroots, participate well in the implementation of mediation work at the grassroots; promote administrative reform and apply information technology in the direction, operation and implementation of the Association's activities. Actively advise and propose mechanisms and policies on women's work, female cadre work; laws and policies on gender equality, first of all, policies to ensure social security, linked to practical issues for women, especially specific and disadvantaged groups of women. The Association needs to expand its solidarity, widely gather women; diversify the forms of gathering to attract a large number of classes and women to participate in the Association, especially young women, in industrial zones, women in rural areas, mountainous areas, remote areas, disadvantaged areas, ethnic and religious areas.

Promoting the potential and creativity of women, especially those who are influential, have the ability to inspire, attract, and lead movements such as: female leaders, managers, intellectuals, artists, businesswomen, talented women in the fields of economics, science, art, culture, sports, foreign affairs, startups, innovation, etc. There are appropriate forms to encourage Vietnamese women living abroad to unite, develop, and turn towards the beloved Fatherland. The Association needs to promote decentralization and assignment of tasks in the direction of "the Central Government sets strategic directions, the province applies creativity, the district accompanies the grassroots, the commune firmly grasps the members, and the branch understands women".

Building a contingent of Union cadres, especially leaders with political courage, moral qualities, capacity, prestige, innovative thinking, skills in mobilizing women, exemplary leaders and typical images of Vietnamese women in the new era. Promoting the role of the head of the Union organization when participating in Party committees, elected bodies and other representative institutions. Improving the capacity, skills and courage of Union cadres in social supervision and criticism. Promoting the responsibility of the Union at all levels, especially at the grassroots level, innovating and improving the quality of activities of branches and women's organizations at all levels. Timely detecting, training, selecting and introducing qualified female cadres and Union cadres to participate in Party committees, authorities and unions, contributing to building a contingent of female leaders and managers in the political system.

Third, the Association needs to seriously organize propaganda, dissemination, education, raising awareness and responsibility among members and women; arousing the will, aspiration, patriotism, national pride, promoting the fine traditions of Vietnamese women. Mobilizing women to practice the moral qualities of "Confidence, self-respect, loyalty, and responsibility" associated with promoting the study and following of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style.

Continue to raise political awareness, sense of law observance, civic responsibility; foster skills and working methods for cadres, members and women to effectively carry out social supervision and criticism work. Overcome the manifestations of complacency, pragmatism, moral degradation, lifestyle... of a part of women. It is necessary to make each cadre of the Union at all levels and each Vietnamese woman truly become a soldier on the cultural and ideological front, actively and proactively participating in building and protecting the Party, protecting the regime, protecting sovereignty and national and ethnic interests.

Fourth, promote the role of the Women's Union and women of all walks of life in building and nurturing Vietnamese family values ​​with core values: Prosperity, progress, happiness, civilization; building a safe environment for women and children. Implement well the Vietnam Family Development Strategy to 2030. Women's Unions at all levels continue to organize, guide and support women in implementing policies on marriage and family, health care, maternal and child protection, environmental protection... protecting the good customs, traditions, and values ​​of the country, people and women of Vietnam. Timely detect, speak up, defend, protect, help, and propose solutions to resolve cases related to women, children and gender equality.

Fifth, it is recommended that Party committees at all levels, authorities, departments, ministries, branches and organizations thoroughly grasp the viewpoints and goals of women's work in the new situation. Organize leadership, direction, guidance as well as develop specific programs and action plans to create a clear change in the quality and effectiveness of women's work in each sector, level, locality and unit. Complete gender mainstreaming policies according to the provisions of the Law on Gender Equality, creating conditions for women to have the opportunity to access and fully enjoy the social security policies that our Party and State have identified.

Continue to pay attention to supporting the construction, strengthening of the organization, innovation and improving the quality and efficiency of the activities of the Women's Union at all levels. Have mechanisms and policies to mobilize all social resources to support and accompany the movements and activities of the Women's Union at all levels; support and help women in difficult circumstances to improve their lives. In particular, continue to assign a number of tasks and ensure resources for the Women's Union to participate in implementing a number of socio-economic development goals, a number of tasks in the 3 national target programs, and Government projects in accordance with the capacity and strengths of the Women's Union at each level.

Party and State agencies, the Fatherland Front, unions, social organizations, and mass media agencies need to strengthen propaganda and education to raise awareness and responsibility for gender and gender equality for officials, party members, and the people. Continue to promote gender equality, considering it a criterion of progress and civilization, and well implement international commitments on women and development that Vietnam participates in, especially the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Building a good society based on respecting, honoring, caring for and protecting women; civilized and cultural behavior towards women; promoting the role, potential and strengths of women. Focus on promoting, praising and replicating typical and advanced women's collectives and individuals. Resolutely criticizing and fighting against thoughts and attitudes that look down on women, acts of discrimination, insulting the dignity and abusing women and children.

Dear comrades, delegates and guests!

At this Congress, along with discussing and contributing opinions to the Political Report and the Association's Charter, I propose that, with a high sense of responsibility, the Congress democratically discuss, concentrate its intelligence, and wisely select and elect the 13th Central Executive Committee of the Association, comrades with sufficient qualities, capacity, prestige, responsibility, and enthusiasm; ensuring harmony and balance, focusing on key areas and fields, and exemplary people with sufficient capacity and conditions to participate and contribute to the Association's work, the women's movement, and gender equality.

We believe that after this Congress, in society, first of all, cadres, members and women will have new awareness, new spirit, creating new momentum for the development of the women's movement in our country, ensuring more synchronization, comprehensiveness, practicality, quality and efficiency. The activities of the Vietnam Women's Union will have many innovations, upgrades, and breakthroughs, contributing worthily to the successful implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, for a Vietnam of "rich people, strong country, democracy, equality, civilization", for the powerful and prosperous development of the country.

With sincere feelings and deep trust, in the joyful and exciting atmosphere of the new Spring and the occasion of International Women's Day 8/3, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, I would like to wish the 13th Vietnam Women's Congress great success. I wish the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, delegates, mothers, sisters and all Vietnamese women good health, success and happiness!

Thank you very much!