Women's Leadership Workshop: Honoring courage, supporting the journey to overcome difficulties

The event, held on the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20, aims to raise awareness of gender equality and promote dialogue on strategies to increase women’s participation in leadership roles. With the message “Overcoming barriers”, the conference also hopes to inspire women to identify and develop their potential, overcome social prejudices and pursue their passions.

Photo caption — Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Director of the Vietnam Women's Museum, spoke at the workshop.

In her welcome speech, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Director of the Vietnam Women's Museum, said that in recent years, through many activities such as seminars, workshops, thematic exhibitions and experiential education activities; the museum has become a space for dialogue on the role of women in war, peace and development, contributing to inspiring and raising social awareness of gender equality.

“In a rapidly changing global context, Vietnamese women continue to face new opportunities and challenges. We believe that through today’s forum, the stories, practical experiences and solutions from outstanding female leaders will bring strong inspiration. At the same time, through close cooperation with international partners, including G4, we will add strength to the process of promoting gender equality and sustainable development in Vietnam,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet emphasized.

Representing the G4 group, Ms. Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized that in Norway, women hold senior positions in all fields. Nearly 45% of National Assembly deputies are women and the Government has been moving towards gender equality for decades. Norway was the first country to establish a Gender Equality Ombudsman and has consolidated gender equality laws into a dedicated Gender Equality Act.

“We are also taking concrete steps to ensure representation. Since 2005, Norway has made it mandatory for corporate boards to be gender balanced, requiring at least 40% of board members to be of each gender… However, we know that barriers still exist. Cultural norms, institutional biases and unequal access to opportunities continue to hold women back in Vietnam, Norway and around the world . That is why today’s dialogue is so important. Let us listen, learn and reflect on how we, as governments, organisations and individuals, can do more to support women’s leadership. Let us also celebrate the progress that has been made and commit to furthering it,” said Hilde Solbakken.

At the conference, speakers shared their inspiring journeys of breaking barriers, leading with purpose and empowering other women, demonstrating the transformative impact of women leaders in various fields. Their stories ranged from leadership in peace and security, to promoting environmental protection, developing entrepreneurship, and creating social impact through business.

In the discussion session moderated by Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, Ms. Caroline Beresford, Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam; Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi An, President of the Hanoi Association of Women Intellectuals; and speakers exchanged views on important topics such as: Barriers to women's leadership roles, the role of men in promoting gender equality, the difference between the public and private sectors, as well as international experience in this field.

Also at the event, Mr. Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, emphasized the importance of gender equality in creating a fair, prosperous and sustainable society. He also reaffirmed the strong commitment of the G4 Embassy group to cooperate with the Government of Vietnam to promote the rights and leadership of women and girls.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/hoi-thao-phu-nu-lanh-dao-ton-vinh-ban-linh-tiep-suc-hanh-trinh-vuot-kho-20251008131932046.htm