On the morning of June 12, the Vietnam Women's Academy organized a National Scientific Conference with the theme "Ensuring the voice and participation of ethnic minority and mountainous women in socio-economic development activities in the current context".
The workshop received 93 presentations, focusing on 4 topics from the theoretical basis to the current situation and experiences of localities in promoting the voice and participation in all areas of life of ethnic minority women.
Discussing the presentations of the delegates, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Bao - Ho Chi Minh City Open University - emphasized: "The voices of ethnic minority women need to be associated with listening. Democracy and equality must be substantial, avoiding formal situations".
According to a survey of 14 units in Son La province, nearly 2/3 of respondents do not have a firm grasp and understanding of the nature of increasing economic power and gender equality for ethnic minority women.
Sharing about this issue, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Quang Tien - Director of the Vietnam Women's Academy - said: "We must link voice and participation with the right to make decisions. It is necessary to assess the actual percentage that women contribute to final decisions in the family and agency.
At the workshop, delegates also pointed out many barriers that ethnic minority women face in speaking out and participating in socio-economic activities. In which, the language barrier is emphasized.
Not being fluent in common languages makes it difficult for women to access state policy documents as well as media documents.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Minh - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Sociology - proposed that in the coming time, localities should focus on educational solutions for ethnic minority women over the age of 35. Thereby, removing language barriers to improve the voice and participation of women in various fields.
On the same afternoon, the second session of the workshop continued to propose solutions and practical proposals to remove difficulties in ensuring the participation of ethnic minority women and contributing their voice to family and social issues.
