Vietnam launches the frist National Press Award for Gender Equality

[Press release]

Representative of the Viet Nam Women’s Union speaks at the Launching Ceremony for the Press Award on Gender Equality 2024. Photo: UN Women/Nguyen Duc Hieu

Ha Noi, Viet Nam — Today, in a historic stride for gender equality in Viet Nam, the Viet Nam Women’s Union and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) – in partnership with the Viet Nam Journalists Association – launched the 2024 National Press Award for Gender Equality. This is Viet Nam’s first journalism award dedicated to gender equality, aiming to harness the power of the media to spark transformative changes across the nation.

The launching ceremony at the Center for Women and Development in Ha Noi welcomed leaders from the Viet Nam Women’s Union, UN Women, and the Viet Nam Journalists Association, alongside senior representatives from the Central Propaganda Department, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Information and Communications. Nearly 50 journalists and reporters from leading media outlets across the country attended.

An attended journalist asks questions during the Launching Ceremony. Photo: UN Women/Nguyen Duc Hieu

This award comes at a pivotal time when Viet Nam is steadfastly advancing its commitments to gender equality on the international stage. The National Press Award for Gender Equality seeks to honor journalists who are not only reporting the news but actively shaping a society that values and respects women and men equally. The Award will recognize exemplary contributions that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, and work towards eradicating violence against women and children in Viet Nam.

“Journalists are our change-makers, shaping public opinion and driving social progress,” said Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of UN Women in Viet Nam. “This award is about celebrating their power to inspire a future where gender equality is a reality for all.”

Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of UN Women in Viet Nam speaks at the Launch Ceremony. Photo: UN Women/Nguyen Duc Hieu

Key Themes to Drive Progress

The 2024 Award will shine a spotlight on three critical themes for gender equality in Viet Nam:

1. Preventing Gender-Based Violence: Building a safer society by tackling violence against women and girls.
2. Promoting Gender Equality in Digital Transformation: Ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities as Viet Nam’s digital economy rapidly expands.
3. Empowering Women in Economic Development: Recognizing women’s vital role in a dynamic, evolving economy.

These themes reflect both the challenges and opportunities in Viet Nam’s journey towards gender equality, especially as the nation marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Award Categories and Timeline

The Award welcomes entries across all media forms – print, online, radio, and television – for works published between January 1, 2022, and November 20, 2024. With a total prize exceeding VND 200 million, the award will honor outstanding works across Categories A, B, C, and special commendations, celebrating the dedication and skill of 26 individuals and teams.

Organizers anticipate over 300 high-quality submissions, especially those highlighting Viet Nam's progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through this initiative, the Viet Nam Women’s Union and UN Women aim to amplify messages that promote equality, foster positive public perceptions, and inspire actions for a gender-equal society.

Submission Details

Entries are open from November 1, 2024, to November 20, 2024. Information about the Award and submission guidelines will be widely available through the Viet Nam Women’s Union, UN Women, and national media outlets.