Viet Nam Women's Union (the Union)

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Starting Point

Vietnam Women's Union (the Union) is a socio-political organisation within the political system, representing the legitimate rights and interests of all classes of Vietnamese women, and striving for the development of women and gender equality. By the end of 2023, its membership included 38% of Vietnam's total female population. It operates at four levels: Central, Provincial, District, and Grassroots. It is a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the International Federation of Democratic Women, and the ASEAN Confederation of Women's Organisations.

Peace Journey

On 3 October 1946, Minister of the Interior Huynh Thuc Khang signed a decree permitting the creation of the Vietnam Women's Union. The union was officially formed, comprising numerous women's organisations, with the Women's National Salvation Union as its core organisation, functioning as a member organisation within the Vietnam Women's Union. On 20 October 1946, the Vietnam Women's Union held its inaugural ceremony at the Opera House Square, Hanoi. In April 1950, the First National Women's Congress took place in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen (Viet Bac War Zone), and the Women's National Salvation Group merged with the Vietnam Women's Union to create a unified organisation.

During the war, the Union mobilised women to participate in building and defending the Fatherland, launching the "3 responsibilities" movement, which included responsibility for production and work, responsibility for family, and responsibility for combat service, as well as being ready to fight when necessary. It also introduced the "Long-haired Army" movement and many other initiatives, thereby contributing to the struggle for national liberation and national reunification.

When peace was restored, the Women's Union at all levels encouraged women to actively participate in overcoming the aftermath of war by supporting victims of Agent Orange, addressing the effects of bombs and mines, assisting families of war invalids and martyrs, supporting families of policy beneficiaries, honouring those with meritorious services, and resolving social issues left by the old regime. Through very specific and practical activities such as sponsoring and caring for war victims, the Union has made an important contribution to healing and soothing the wounds left by war.

In recent years, numerous practical and meaningful activities have been undertaken to enhance the Union's role and contribution to the peace process. 

It has promoted the agenda of women’s development. It initiated and mobilised the society to implement the theme "Safety for women and children", contributing to building a safe and healthy living environment. It hosts social activities and charity events, with a focus on border areas and outer islands. It mobilises and supports women to start creative businesses, develop the economy, and protect the environment. It actively participates in building, monitoring, and providing social feedback on legal documents and policies related to women and gender equality. Lastly, with international friends, the Vietnam Women's Union consistently strives to foster solidarity and understanding among nations.

Success Stories

Furthermore, as a member of numerous multilateral organisations and mechanisms, the Vietnam Women's Union has launched many initiatives to share experiences and actively advocate for issues of peace, security, and sustainable development. It organises bilateral and multilateral forums such as the International Forum on Women, Peace, and Development; the Forum Promoting the Implementation of SDGs from a Gender Equality Perspective; the trilateral forum between women of Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia on Building Friendly and Cooperative Relations; the trilateral forum between women of Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia for Connecting and Exchanging Female Entrepreneurs with the theme "Women Entrepreneurs and Green Economy"; and the Vietnam - Korea Women's Forum with the theme "Green Economy and Women's Contributions."

The Vietnam Women's Union has always actively engaged in and participated in national reviews of the implementation of international commitments related to women, gender equality, human rights, and development that Vietnam takes part in, such as: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Beijing Platform for Action, Universal Periodic Review Mechanism on Human Rights, MDGs, SDGs. 

The Women's Union has member associations in 63 provinces and cities, as well as two member boards in two key armed forces: the Ministry of Public Security (People's Public Security Women's Board) and the Ministry of National Defence (Army Women's Board).