Norwegian Ambassador: Let Vietnamese women shine in leadership roles

According to Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken, Vietnam is demonstrating pioneering efforts in the region to facilitate women to take on leadership positions.

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken. (Photo: Thu Trang)

On the sidelines of the “Women in Leadership: Overcoming Barriers” conference in Hanoi on October 8, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken shared with the press her assessment of Vietnam’s efforts to help women affirm their position and demonstrate their leadership roles in all aspects of society as well as contribute to world peace .

How does the Ambassador evaluate the environment and policies of the Vietnamese Government and society for women to affirm their position and demonstrate their leadership role?

First of all, Vietnamese women throughout history have affirmed their strength, resilience and indomitability. I think the venue of this conference - the Vietnamese Women's Museum has truly demonstrated that, especially the great contributions of women in the resistance wars against imperialism to save the country and achieve the final victory.

Currently, Vietnam is also demonstrating a strong pioneering role in the region by promulgating and amending laws on promoting gender equality with clear goals, as well as bringing more and more women into leadership positions in the state apparatus.

However, I believe that in Vietnam as in many other countries there are still barriers. Some are institutional and others are related to cultural norms and stereotypes about women.

Therefore, having international dialogues and exchanges like this between Vietnam and other countries is very good so that we can learn from each other, women can share and overcome barriers to become talented leaders, contributing to society and the country.

Could the Ambassador share Norway's experience in facilitating women's participation in leadership positions?

I want to share 3 big experiences:

First , a strong legal and policy framework that promotes gender equality, including laws guaranteeing equal opportunities and mandatory gender quotas in areas of life.

For example in Norway, for a long time we have had gender balance quotas, usually requiring 40% for each gender, including in government.

Since 2005, Norway has required corporate boards to be gender balanced, requiring at least 40% of board members to be male and female. Since 2005, we have implemented a quota of 40% for each gender on the boards of limited liability companies. Early last year, these rules were extended to private companies above a certain size. Thousands of companies are now adapting to ensure compliance, promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership.

Second, comprehensive social welfare policies, such as parental leave, affordable childcare and flexible working arrangements, help balance family and career responsibilities, allowing both men and women to share the caregiving role.

Third, and perhaps the most challenging, is to make social thinking progressive in favor of gender equality as a core national value, reducing prejudice against women in leadership. Men, in particular, should also play a role, because men need to support this. In addition, embedding gender equality in leadership training, mentoring programs and gender-balanced hiring practices in both the public and private sectors create pathways for women to advance.

In short , we must coordinate many different actions and measures to reach a common goal - where women are empowered to lead and contribute in all areas.

Workshop “Women in Leadership: Overcoming Barriers” in Hanoi , October 8. (Photo: Thu Trang)

Over the years, Vietnamese women have actively participated in the United Nations peacekeeping force. How does the Ambassador assess the role of Vietnamese women in this field?

It is wonderful that Vietnam is contributing more and more to UN peacekeeping operations and it is even more impressive that the peacekeeping force includes women.

In the context of conflict, the participation of women in peacekeeping missions is very meaningful, necessary and effective. Because we all know that in conflict, the vulnerable people who need protection are mainly women and children. And women will easily approach and build trust with these communities.

I think the role of women is also very important in the internal environment of peacekeeping. The participation of women in peacekeeping creates a better working environment, ensuring that the specific needs of women in the communities that the force is there to protect are recognized.

If given three words to describe Vietnamese female officers performing peacekeeping missions, the Ambassador would choose...?

I have had the opportunity to meet some of them and also hear reports and information from those who have led peacekeeping missions. I have heard very good things about these women officers. They are dedicated, hard-working and respected by both the local community and their international colleagues.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Female officers at the International Forum 'Enhancing the participation of female police officers in UN peacekeeping operations - International and Vietnamese experiences', on June 12 in Hanoi. (Source: UN Women)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-na-uy-de-phu-nu-viet-nam-toa-sang-trong-vai-tro-lanh-dao-330533.html