Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop “Promoting the pioneering role of ethnic minority youth in changing gender prejudices and stereotypes”, Vice President of Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), Ms. Thi Thu Hien NGUYEN said: “Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country, with 54 ethnic groups living together for a long time, including 53 ethnic minorities. Due to the unique living conditions and many other reasons, although the Party and State have had many policies and investment policies for economic and social development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, the lives of a part of ethnic minority and mountainous areas still face many difficulties. Many social issues need to be further resolved, including gender inequality”. Vice President Thi Thu Hien NGUYEN affirmed the important role of ethnic minority youth in changing long-standing gender stereotypes and prejudices in society: “Ethnic minority youth are not only young, dynamic and creative, but also a pioneering force in promoting gender equality, creating positive changes for the community and society.”

Ms. Thi Thu Hien NGUYEN – Vice President of Vietnam Women’s Union delivered the opening speech at the workshop.

Next, the workshop introduced a video-clip of promotion, providing a comprehensive view of the activities and goals of Project 8. The clip provided a clear picture of the tireless efforts of organizations and individuals in improving the lives and ensuring the rights of women and children, especially in ethnic minority areas.

A series of activities in the communication campaign to promote gender equality with the theme “Ethnic minority youth pioneer in changing gender stereotypes for aspirations for development” were organized with specific activities, aiming to contribute to raising awareness, promoting the role and participation of ethnic minority students and youth in activities to promote gender equality in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, including: Workshop called “Promoting the pioneering role of ethnic minority youth in changing gender prejudices and stereotypes”; Demonstration and exchange of communication initiatives to raise awareness of gender equality for ethnic minority youth among students of typical universities and academies in the Northern mountainous region; Youth Arts Festival of ethnic minorities in the Northern region.

The seminar program attracted the enthusiastic participation of speakers who are leading experts in the field of gender equality and ethnic education. Ms. Thi Mai Hoa NGUYEN, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, shared about policies and strategies to promote the role of ethnic minority youth in contributing to the implementation of gender equality. She highlighted the challenges that young people are facing, and affirmed the need for long-term, practical strategies so that the youngsters can maximize their potential.

Workshop Executive Board

Mr. Cong Tuan DO, member of the Executive Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, continued with a presentation on the current situation and solutions to promote the voice and participation of ethnic minority youth in various fields. The presentation emphasized that raising awareness for ethnic minority youth is not only the task of functional agencies but also requires the joint efforts of the whole society. The youthful, brave voices of ethnic minority communities who dare to think and dare to do will be a source of inspiration, promoting positive change from within.

PhD. Thi Thao TA, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Thai Nguyen University, shared solutions to raise awareness and promote the role of ethnic minority students in schools. Ms. Thao emphasized the importance of education in shaping the thinking and actions of young people, and proposed a number of specific measures to create the best learning and training environment for ethnic minority students.

Students of Vietnam Women’s Academy attending the workshop

The discussions at the workshop also shared specific models and activities of young people in changing awareness of gender equality in the community, which were vividly presented through real-life stories. These authentic, close-to-life and inspiring stories aroused empathy and determination in each participant, motivating them to take stronger actions to eliminate gender prejudices and gender stereotypes, building an equal and developed community.

The ethnic minority student delegation of Vietnam Women’s Academy participated in the workshop with the spirit of learning, exchanging and discussing with delegates from other schools on how to build, maintain and develop the activities in the Ethnic Minority Club, as well as the Gender Equality & Sustainable Development Club at the Academy.

The ethnic minority student delegation of Vietnam Women’s Academy took a souvenir photo with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien (yellow ao dai) – Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union and delegates attending the workshop.

The workshop had concluded yet its messages shared will continue to spread and inspire many generations of ethnic minority youth. This is not only a small yet remarkable step in the journey to gender equality but also a solid foundation to build a brighter future for ethnic minority communities across the country.