CẦN THƠ — The national action month on gender equality, with the theme of preventing violence and abuse against women and girls, was launched on Wednesday in the southern province of Cần Thơ.

The opening ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in coordination with the Cần Thơ City People’s Committee.

As many as 800 students and local residents joined the ceremony.

The national action month is organised across the country each year. This year, it will run from November 15 to December 15.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyễn Thị Hà said Việt Nam had been recognised by international organisations as one of the countries that has made great achievements in gender equality, particularly in the fields of labour, employment, health care and education.

The rate of female directors of enterprises was 27.8 per cent last year, the highest in Southeast Asia, according to the MOLISA.

The proportion of women participating in the National Assembly for the 2016-21 term is 27.2 per cent, higher than the level of 19 per cent in across Asia and the 21 per cent global average.

However, Hà said Việt Nam still faces challenges in ensuring gender equality.

“Gender inequality, violence and abuse against women and children are still happening in many regions,” said Hà. “Women and children are not victims of just domestic violence, but also of trafficking, sexual assault and other forms of violence.”

The theme of the action month this year affirmed the importance of co-operation between organisations and individuals in meeting national targets on gender equality, she said.

Hundreds of events will be organised across the country during the month including conferences, training courses, exhibitions and talks.

Trương Quang Hoài Nam, deputy chairman of the Cần Thơ People’s Committee, said that through the action month, messages on gender equality and preventing violence against women and children would spread to all levels of society to help build a safe and equitable community for everyone. — VNS