Vietnamese delegation at the 107th the International Labour Conference (Source: Hoang Hoa/VNA)

Mrs. Ha made the remarks at the plenary session of the 107th the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. The official cited the issuance of laws and policies in Vietnam to enable women to improve their management and leadership capacity, and easily access capital. One of the targets of Vietnam’s national strategy on gender equality for 2011-2020 is to reduce gender gaps in economy, labour and employment, and enhance the access of poor women in rural areas and women of ethnic minority groups to economic resources and the labour market, Mrs. Ha stressed. She said programmes and projects on vocational training, employment, workplace safety, sustainable poverty reduction and support for female entrepreneurs have helped women approach job opportunities, join the labour market, escape from poverty and improve their economic rights.

The same day, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Tran Van Ly delivered a speech at the ILO’s plenary session, highlighting efforts to promote gender equality, protect rights of female workers and increase the proportion female leaders in trade unions.