(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Women’s Union marked its 85^th anniversary and Vietnamese Women’s Day on Sunday. Chairwoman of the Union Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa highlighted the increasingly important role of the Union in protecting and legitimate rights of Vietnamese women in Vietnam and abroad: “Vietnamese women will continue to unite and contribute to building a wealthy people and a strong, democratic, equal, and civilized nation.”

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised the Union’s achievements over the last 85 years and the role of Vietnamese women in all aspects of life. He said: “The Union and its affiliates should step up communications on the implementation of Party and state poilicies. The Union should encourage women to participate in emulation movements, build new rural areas, and contribute to poverty reduction.”

He asked relevant ministries and agencies to research policies to better ensure women’s rights. The Vietnam Women’s Union received the Independence Order, first class, and 9 collectives and 10 individuals received the 2015 women’s award  on this occasion.