The Party leader made this request while working with the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) on November 29. He highlighted the role of Vietnamese women and their contributions to national construction and defence, saying that the Party is fully aware of their importance and has introduced numerous decrees, resolutions, and programs to uphold their roles.

However, he said, many of the decrees and resolutions have not been realized.

He analysed the challenges and difficulties facing them, especially in the context of the market economy, global integration, and economic transition, and pointed out both objective and subjective reasons, including lack of proper attention paid to women’s campaigns by local authorities.

Mr Trong urged the VWU to grasp the 11th National Party Congress’ Resolution and the ten-year socio-economic development strategy in preparation for the Union’s upcoming congress, and continue improving their capacity and political conscience in order to involve Vietnamese women in the great national unity bloc.

The Party chief also asked the VWU to boost communication and encourage women to actively respond to the Party and State’s policies, so as to contribute to society and protect their legitimate rights.

Mr Trong emphasized the glorious tradition of Vietnamese women and asked VWU members to enhance their professional and management skills.

Leaders of the VWU and representatives from provincial Women’s Unions reported to Mr Trong about their achievements as well as the challenges facing women today, especially regarding training.

According to the reports, only ten percent of Vietnamese female labourers have an official qualification while 70 percent are not trained at all. Their incomes are equivalent to only 75 percent of their male colleagues’.

Women usually find it more difficult to access healthcare services and the number of women infected with HIV is on the rise.

Domestic violence, social evils, drugs, and human trafficking are also factors that negatively affect Vietnamese women, they said.