An international forum themed "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" was held on Wednesday in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of UN Women

HÀ NỘI — An international forum themed "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" was held by the Việt Nam Women's Union (VWU) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in Việt Nam (UN Women) on Wednesday.

The event was part of the activities to respond to the campaign "Digital for All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" launched by the UN, aiming to share experiences and call for efforts to promote gender equality and to encourage women to master science, technology, engineering, math, and cyberspace.

Addressing the event, President of the VWU Hà Thị Nga said that gender equality in science and technology will help bring into play the strengths of both genders and the great potential of that country's human resources.

However, Nga said that in reality, gender gaps remain in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She noted that the number of women engaging in the field and holding leadership positions is modest.

According to a UN report in 2022, women made up only 22 per cent of the workforce in the artificial intelligence sector and 28 per cent of the engineering graduates.

Meanwhile, data showed that 38 per cent of women operating online in different countries have experienced cyber-violence.

In order to change the situation, Nga underlined the need for joint efforts of stakeholders in pushing changes in macro-economic policies and making specific interventions for greater and more equal participation and benefits of women and girls from science and technology advances, helping them acquire knowledge and skills to protect themselves amid non-traditional challenges, especially cybersecurity.

Belarusian Ambassador to Việt Nam Vladimir Baravikov stressed the necessity of due and close attention from the Government, agencies, as well as the general education system to ensure equal rights in accessing education opportunities and digital technology, creating favourable conditions for women to contribute to, participate and benefit from STEM and in cyberspace.

Junior Colonel Nguyễn Đình Đỗ Thi, deputy head of the Consultation Office under the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cyber Security and Hi-tech Crime Prevention, said that being fully aware of the benefits and harms of technology and cyberspace will help women and children protect themselves against invisible and non-traditional security challenges.

At the forum, participants shared initiatives and experience in promoting women and girls’ engagement in STEM and the building of a safety environment for women and girls. — VNS