Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other delegates join a walk on Dinh Tien Hoang road in Hanoi downtown to advocate safety for women and children (Photo: VNA)

At a ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday to launch the “The Year of Safety for Women and Children”, PM Phuc said the Party and State acknowledged the Union’s role and contributions to protecting the legitimate rights of women and children, which he said demonstrate the Union’s reform of its operation method and its responsibility for settling social issues. He added: “During national development, we not only pay attention to economic growth but also to growth quality and social fairness and advancement to ensure human rights, welfare, and safety. Special care has been given to women and children in disadvantaged and remote areas and ethnic groups. I call on the Vietnam Women’s Union to devise specific plans and take practical actions to protect woman and children.”

The Prime Minister and other delegates sent SMS to support women in border areas, as part of a fund-raising program organized by the Vietnam Women’s Union and the Vietnam Red Cross Society.  

The launch ceremony included an exhibition themed “The safe journey” to raise public awareness about ensuring the safety of women and children. The Vietnam Women’s Union has also set up booths to give advice on healthcare, law, healthy farm products, and activists’ groups on women and child protection.

Dao Mai Linh, a student from Hanoi Law University, said: “As a student of law, I will tell others about laws relating to domestic violence. Family members should know first because every individual can help spread the information throughout the community. I can lead some activities for students and people in my own area.”

MC Quyen Linh, Ambassador of the “Safety for Women and Children” Year, said: “I will use my influence and work with the Vietnam Women’s Union to help women and children gain more knowledge and courage to protect themselves from violence. All people should get involved in the campaign and help keep our women and children safe.”