A National Action Month for gender equality and gender-based violence prevention and response was launched in 2021 (Photo: UN Women)

According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 of the World Economic Forum, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt, closing the global gender gap has been delayed by a generation, from 99.5 years to 135.6 years.

Other reports show that the pandemic has strongly hurt women, who are at higher risk of losing their jobs than men, while burdening them further with caring for children who must stay at home due to school closures. The reports say these effects are making it more difficult to realize gender equality goals.

In Vietnam, the gender gap in some areas has widened during the pandemic, making it more difficult to fulfill national strategic goals. In response, the government has implemented policies to help the public and businesses deal with pandemic difficulties while promoting gender equality. These policies have demonstrated the leadership role and responsibility of the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government and strengthened public trust in the Party and State. Vietnam has mobilized the public and businesses to fight the pandemic, uphold the Vietnamese tradition of sharing, unity, and compassion, and enhance Vietnam’s international status.

Gender equality has been an integral part of the policies adopted to support people and businesses affected by COVID-19. Ensuring gender equality has been consistently reflected in the actions of Party committees, administrations, and civil employees. The percentage of female members of Party committees, People’s Councils at all levels, and the National Assembly rose sharply in the current tenure.

Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha told the 2021 APEC Women and the Economy Forum that, despite difficulties due to COVID-19, Vietnam pledged to prioritize gender equality, which has been demonstrated by the adoption of multiple strategies and programs on gender equality enhancement until 2030 and efforts to fulfill the goals APEC set out in the La Serena roadmap on women and inclusive growth. Ms Ha said these efforts will enable Vietnamese women to play a bigger role in policy making, leadership, and management in the post-COVID-19 period.

Last year the Labor Code of Vietnam revised its approach from protecting female workers to ensuring the rights of all workers, male and female, and prohibiting discrimination against female workers in employment.

Last March, the Vietnamese Government adopted a Resolution on the National Strategy on Gender Equality in the 2021-2030 period with goals and objectives that reflect the state of gender equality in Vietnam. The principal goal is to narrow the gender gap and make sure men and women participate and benefit equally in all aspects of life and contribute equally  to national sustainable growth.