Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) held a seminar in Hanoi on March 11 to release outcomes of its recent research on the country’s gender equality as a driver of sustainable development.

Based on a 2024 survey of 9,094 people living in six socio-economic regions nationwide, the findings lead to an analysis of the general situation and related issues across key areas of society, namely politics, education-training and science-technology, economy, healthcare, family, gender-based violence, climate change, and disaster response.

Speaking at the event, VASS President Phan Chi Hieu stated that promoting gender equality towards advancing women's progress remains a priority in national development policies, with many policies introduced to protect women's rights and enhance their participation in economic sectors.

Hieu noted that Vietnam is among the fastest countries in Southeast Asia to close the gender gap. According to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, the country ranked 72nd, climbing 11 places from 2022. It maintained the position in 2024 with a gender equality score of 71.5%, surpassing both the global and East Asia-Pacific regional averages.

However, the institute's research highlights significant challenges that still need to be addressed. In politics, the participation of women in the political system has yet to meet set targets, and the quality of participation remains limited.

Economically, women, especially those in vulnerable groups, face difficulties in accessing financial resources, property ownership, inheritance rights, as well as financial and technological services. In the labour market, inequalities persist in job status, wages, and income, particularly in the informal sector.

Within the education system, gender disparities remain in access to education and lifelong learning opportunities, which is most marked in disadvantaged areas.

In healthcare, women in remote and ethnic minority regions still struggle to access reproductive health services. Within families, gender stereotypes continue to influence decision-making and the division of labour, placing a dual burden on women who balance both work and household responsibilities.

Within the field of science and technology, women’s roles remain underrepresented, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, Deputy Director of the VASS’s Institute of Social Sciences Information and lead researcher of the study, stressed that gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a key driver for sustainable development. The findings provide a clearer understanding of the barriers and opportunities facing women, thereby helping to shape appropriate policy solutions.

She recommended Vietnam implement policies that support women’s access to technology and enhance their professional qualifications and digital skills. It is also important to intensify public awareness campaigns to highlight the role of women in both families and society.

Participants also put forth a series of policy recommendations, including those that support women's holding of leadership positions in the political system as well as their enterprises and their access to finance and capital sources.

ꦓ They said it is also necessary to facilitate the group’s participation in high-quality education for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while improving their working conditions and protecting their rights in the workplace, particularly the informal workplace setting./.