National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 14th National Women’s Congress for the 2026–31 term in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn has called for the development of a generation of women who are resilient, innovative and globally integrated, enabling them to become key architects of the country's rapid and sustainable development in the new era.

He was speaking on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 14th National Women’s Congress for the 2026–31 term in Hà Nội.

In his keynote address, NA Chairman Mẫn affirmed that Vietnamese women have demonstrated their important role in nearly every aspect of social life.

Many have distinguished themselves as leaders, managers, scientists, educators, doctors, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, workers and farmers, while also earning recognition as Heroes of Labour and Heroes of the People's Armed Forces.

He noted that the proportion of female members of the National Assembly is higher than the global and regional averages, while the percentages of women serving in people's councils at all levels and in Party committees have increased compared to the previous term.

On international platforms, women delegates have consistently shown confidence and initiative, contributing numerous ideas and reaffirming Việt Nam's strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality.

At the same time, women have continued to uphold and promote their vital role within the family, contributing significantly to building happy families, and creating healthy, equal and progressive living environments.

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn with female delegates at the event. — VNA/VNS Photo

The NA Chairman said that during the past term, the Việt Nam Women's Union had clearly demonstrated its core role in uniting and accompanying women nationwide, strengthening its leadership in women's affairs and gender equality, and increasingly fulfilling its responsibility to represent, care for and safeguard women's legitimate rights and interests.

Despite these achievements, he pointed to several shortcomings and challenges. The quality of activities at some grassroots chapters remains limited, while efforts to engage women in industrial zones have not kept pace with rapid social and economic changes. In addition, interventions to prevent and address violence against women and children have not always been timely or effective.

The digital capabilities and conditions of some union officials have yet to meet new demands. Women's participation in leadership and management positions in certain sectors remains below their potential, and development gaps among women across regions persist.

"These are issues that the congress must discuss thoroughly and address with concrete solutions during the next term," he said.

Chairman Mẫn stressed that Việt Nam is entering a new stage of development that demands high standards in every field, requiring women not only to participate in national development but also to become one of the key forces shaping the country's future.

Expressing support for the congress's three strategic breakthroughs and five major tasks for the coming term, he outlined key issues for delegates to consider.

According to the NA Chairman, the Việt Nam Women's Union must continue to reform itself and operate more effectively and substantively. It should introduce measures to improve women's knowledge, digital literacy, vocational skills, foreign language proficiency and lifelong learning capacity, while paying special attention to rural women, ethnic minority women and vulnerable groups.

He also called for greater support for women in building progressive, civilised, prosperous and happy Vietnamese families, particularly amid rapid social change, the growing influence of cyberspace and mounting pressures in daily life.

The union should intensify efforts to preserve and promote traditional family values, improve healthcare and safety skills for women and children, especially online safety. The effectiveness of the union's work, he said, should ultimately be measured by women's satisfaction and improvements in the quality of life of every woman and child.

The top legislator also urged the union to further strengthen its representative role in protecting women's legitimate rights and interests, actively participate in Party and government building, and take a more proactive role in assessing realities on the ground, contributing to law-making and overseeing and providing feedback on policies related to women, families and gender equality.

"It is particularly important to stay close to women, listen to and understand them, and ensure that no woman who suffers abuse, violence or abandonment goes unnoticed and unprotected by the union," he said.

The NA Chairman also called for building a young generation of Vietnamese women who are resilient, innovative and globally integrated. The union should expand networks supporting career development, entrepreneurship and innovation, while creating more opportunities for young women to participate in social governance and community activities, particularly in science and technology.

He further stressed the need to continue comprehensively reforming the organisation and operations of the union. He expressed hope that members of the new-term Central Committee of the Việt Nam Women's Union would remain united and uphold their integrity, creativity, competence, prestige and sense of responsibility in leading the women's movement and advancing the union's work. — VNS