(VOVworld) – The National Committee for the Advancement of Women on Saturday hosted a roundtable discussion on measures to enhance women-related work. National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said the Vietnamese Party and State has constantly pushed the goal of gender equality and women’s advancement: “Vietnam ranks higher in terms of gender equality compared to countries with similar development and income levels. Vietnam is the fastest in Southeast Asia to eradicate gender gap over the past 20 years. Thanks to the policies of the Party, State and their own efforts, Vietnamese women have excelled in various fields.”

According to Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and Head of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, the number of female managers and leaders have increased by nearly 20% from the previous years. 14 of the 30 ministries and ministerial agencies have female ministers and deputy ministers. 48% of women are employed compared with 52% of men, meeting the national goal on gender equality.

Meanwhile, a ceremony was held in Hanoi on Friday to present the Women Award 2012 to those who have made great contributions to society. The award recipients include female students who achieved the highest results on the 2012 tertiary entrance exams. The award recognizes women who have excelled in their fields and played a significant role in society. Over the past decade, 36 organizations and 74 individuals have been honored at the ceremony for their great contributions to the community.