HCM CITY — Young leaders and decision-makers shared their experiences and expertise about leadership, mentoring, support networks and women’s health at the Women in Việt Nam Conference held on Tuesday in HCM City.

Organised by the Australian Consulate in HCM City, the two-day event, which began on Monday, was designed to mark Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20.

Targeting final-year female university students and recent graduates, the event was held to enhance participants’ understanding of the importance of women’s representation in leadership and shine a light on health and well-being challenges facing women.

The conference programme included a number of side events, including a seminar on “How to Present a Winning Image” and a women’s pitching competition with prizes, including VNĐ50 million (US$2,140) in seed funding.

Additional events included an Australian-Vietnamese seminar on breast cancer led by Australian oncologists, and expert-led workshops on issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence.

“This was the first time we have had a ‘Women in Việt Nam’ conference,” said Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul General in HCM City. “My hope is that the conference becomes an annual event that will provide practical support to young Vietnamese women.”

Speakers and panelists were drawn from a range of backgrounds to provide a diversity of views to engage and inspire the young female audience.

The conference also launched a competition to win a 10-week English language scholarship placement in Australia, and a programme that will place final-year female university students and recent graduates in internships with more than 20 prestigious international and Vietnamese companies. —VNS