Mother and Son won prizes of UN Women’s songwriting and poem contest
Through compelling verses and melodies, the talented duo of mother and son harmoniously blend poetry and music to champion diversity and equality... Learn more
Promoting Greater Cybersecurity for Women and Girls in Viet Nam
Digital security and privacy protection for women and girls in Viet Nam’s digital transformation were the focus of a workshop in Hanoi Learn more
A safe space provides essential services for women and children survivors of violence in Ho Chi Minh City
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a groundbreaking initiative is offering hope for women and children grappling with violence and abuse. Learn more
Helping vulnerable women in Viet Nam reclaim their resilience in the wake of COVID-19
At least 1,443 vulnerable women affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Tien Giang Province, southern Viet Nam, have received cash grants of VND 5.5 million (USD 200) each... Learn more
Women’s Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship Towards a Gender-Just Energy Transition in Viet Nam
Through the support of EmPower and local partner CHIASE, Ly was able to access loans at a preferential rate, which she used to buy raw materials for her business. Learn more

UN Women Viet Nam

After the end of a war that devastated the country, Viet Nam’s political and economic reforms that started in the mid-1980s contributed to impressive socio-economic progress. Viet Nam managed to reduce the poverty rate from 58.1 per cent in 1993 to 9.6 per cent in 2012 and the country transitioned to lower Middle-Income status in 2010. The Government has made significant progress in promoting gender equality also. In addition to gender equality guarantees in the Constitution, milestone legislations introduced include the Law of Gender Equality (2006) and the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence (2007).

  Wages and Equitable Growth in Viet Nam. Source: ILO

However, while women's labour force participation is one of the highest in the region at 73.2 per cent (2013), women have limited access to formal employment and are disproportionately engaged in vulnerable employment (69 per cent in 2012) that do not provide social security. Prevalence of domestic violence is high with three in five ever married women experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime by their intimate partner. The harmful practice of son preference is also resulting in a highly skewed sex ratio at birth (113 boys to 100 girls in 2013). These are a result of weak enforcement of the law and deep-rooted gender stereotypes and social norms that limit opportunities for women and girls.

UN Women is part of the UN “Delivering as One” initiative in Viet Nam and it leads UN’s advocacy to further promote gender equality by enhancing women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls and improving women’s access to justice, and making gender equality a key part of the national legal framework, policies and plans.

News and Updates

More stories

 

Publications

 

 

 

At a Glance

Some basic facts and figures of UN Women work to promote Gender Equality and empower women and girls in Viet Nam... More

1001 Portraits of the Goddess

A key activity in 2017 was the exhibition titled "Portraits of the Goddess." Throughout this book, many portraits, stories and inner strengths of the women of different social groups, ethnic groups and countries have been brought out to the world... more

Featured Publication

Connect with Respect: Preventing gender-based violence in schools

Classroom Programme for Students in Early Secondary School (ages 11-14) designed to assist teachers to deliver education programmes in early secondary school. Download here