Affirming the role and contributions of female elected representatives

The study “Roles, activities and contributions of female elected representatives in Vietnam in the period of 2016-2021” was co-conducted by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam, the Delegation Affairs Committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee and relevant agencies; with co-funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam and UNDP.

The study conducted a questionnaire survey with 248 deputies of the 14th National Assembly (50% of the National Assembly deputies) and 136 deputies of the Provincial People's Councils of three provinces and centrally-run cities, including Hanoi, Binh Phuoc and Can Tho. The two objectives are: to assess the role, activities and contributions of female deputies of the 14th National Assembly and female deputies of the Provincial People's Councils for the 2016-2021 term; to propose a number of policy and practical proposals towards gender equality in elected bodies in Vietnam for the 2021-2026 period and towards 2030.

In her opening remarks at the event, Ms. Diana Torres (UNDP Representative in Vietnam) shared the views of Ms. Elisa Cavacece (Deputy Ambassador and Development Counselor, Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam): Women’s leadership in the public sector is truly important because it is essential to ensure that women’s views and voices are integrated into the entire policy-making process. Every public policy needs to fully reflect the views of both women and men, to ensure equality and fairness.

Ms. Diana Torres gave the opening speech.

In Vietnam, the proportion of female candidates in the official list of candidates for the XV National Assembly has now reached 45.28%, an increase of 6.51% compared to the figure in the XIV term. However, the proportion of female candidates at the Central and policy-making levels is only 22.43%. Meanwhile, Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the 7th Central Committee (Term XII) sets a target that by 2030, there must be female cadres in the structure of the Standing Committee of Party Committees and Party organizations at all levels (20-25% of Party Committee members are women; National Assembly deputies). This requires policy measures to increase the participation rate of women in important positions in the state apparatus.

The study “The role, activities and contributions of female elected representatives in Vietnam in the period 2016-2021” is an effort to provide data and evidence, as a basis and argument for policy makers to promote women's greater participation in politics.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities) delivered the opening speech

On behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized the significance of the research report in the time when the election of the XV National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term is about to take place. Certainly, the research results and the opinions exchanged and discussed will attract great public attention. Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his belief that the research results will be a useful source of reference data for state agencies in policy making on gender equality in politics. Taking this opportunity, the Rector also thanked UNDP and domestic and foreign partners for supporting this research program. Hopefully, in the future, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will continue to accompany relevant organizations and agencies to conduct similar research.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Former Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities) report title

After the opening session, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh (Deputy Head of the Faculty of Sociology) presented a summary of the research results on "The role, activities and contributions of female elected representatives in Vietnam in the period 2016-2021".

The results show that, although having interests and strengths in different areas, both male and female elected representatives care about the interests of voters, considering the interests of voters as the most important factor in performing their duties.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh (Deputy Head of Sociology Department) presented the report.

Female National Assembly and People’s Council deputies tend to be more proactive in using social media to communicate and interact with voters than male deputies. Both male and female National Assembly and People’s Council deputies affirmed that they meet the needs of resolving voters’ petitions and recommendations at a high level. Both male and female National Assembly deputies self-assessed their greatest strengths in the legislative field. Similarly, both male and female provincial People’s Council deputies said that monitoring activities were their greatest strengths.

The discussion session was held online via Zoom software.

The study recommends that specific policies and roadmaps be developed to promote the implementation of Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the 7th Central Committee (12th Tenure). To achieve that goal, the report suggests that it is time for Vietnam to set a target of 45% or more of each gender in the candidate list, especially when the proportion of women in the official list of candidates for the 15th National Assembly has now reached 45.28%. In addition, it is necessary to create conditions for women with the capacity and qualities to run for election themselves to improve the quality of female candidates.

After listening to the research report, the audience entered two discussion sessions:

Session 1: Roles, activities and contributions of female deputies of the 14th National Assembly

Session 2: Roles, activities and contributions of female People's Council delegates for the 2016-2021 term