Moscow (VNA) – The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) Central Committee and the Committee for External Relations of Russia’s St. Petersburg city convened at an online symposium on March 27, discussing ways to promote the role of women and girls in science and technology.

The virtual conference brought together nearly 90 participants, including female scientists, lecturers, and students from both Vietnam and Russia.

President of the VWU Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyen underscored the global contributions of female scientists who have transformed human history and improved life quality. She detailed Vietnam's commitment to science development, noting the country's National Digital Transformation Programme, the Law on Gender Equality as well as the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2021-2030 as critical frameworks supporting women's pursuit of scientific research, contributing to the construction and sustainable development of the country.

Tuyen stressed that the VWU has been carrying out practical activities to encourage women’s engagement in science and technology development, including promoting the establishment of the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women, issuing a resolution on supporting women’s international integration by 2030, and launching initiatives like the Kovalevskaia Awards to encourage scientific research, innovation, startup and participation in digital economy and society among women.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg Vyacheslav Kalganov underscored the significant role of the Vietnam Women's Union in the Vietnam – Russia diplomatic relations.

He acknowledged the remarkable achievements of female scientists in Russia across various research fields, while also candidly addressing the persistent gender imbalance in the scientific community. He highlighted the Russian Government’s ongoing efforts to support women’s participation in the domain such as creating favourable conditions for career continuity during motherhood and promoting female scientists’ achievements.

Notably, Kalganov praised Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, considering science and technology as a top national priority. He also laid stress on the country’s continuous efforts to enhance gender equality and develop a strong community of female scientists who have affirmed their role in the nation’s economic development.

ꦐ At the event, participants spotlighted the achievements that women of both countries have obtained in science and socio-economic development as well as people-to-people diplomacy. The two sides concurred to collaborate in exchange programmes and online forums to promote women’s engagement in science development./.