"The role of female parliamentarians in Vietnam's development in the period 2016-2021"

This is the latest study co-conducted by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and partners. The study has affirmed the important role of female National Assembly deputies in Vietnam's development in the 2016-2021 period.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan - Vice Principal in charge of University of Social Sciences and Humanities spoke at the Seminar

With funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam and UNDP Vietnam, within the framework of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) program, the research results have provided timely practical evidence of women's contributions to the country's economic, social and political development over the past 5 years. This is also an important basis for voters and society to have more trust in female candidates in the elections of deputies to the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels in 2021. Mr. Robin Bednall, Acting Counsellor for Economic and Development Cooperation, Australian Embassy in Vietnam said: "We know that in 2020, women around the world have shouldered many important and urgent tasks due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the focus of today's announcement on women's capacity, contribution, status and voice could not be more timely."

Mr. Robin Bednall - Acting Counselor for Economic and Development Cooperation, Australian Embassy in Vietnam

The 14th National Assembly (2016-2021 term) is the first term in Vietnam to have a female National Assembly Chairwoman, and also the first term with 26.7% of the deputies being female. According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2020, Vietnam ranks 65th out of 162 countries and is in the top 1/3 of countries in the world in terms of the proportion of female National Assembly deputies. The study "The role of female National Assembly deputies in Vietnam's development in the period 2016-2021" shows that male National Assembly deputies are more proactive in contacting voters, but female National Assembly deputies often contact voters via social networks than male deputies. In the action plan, female deputies pay more attention to the fields of education and training; health; culture, sports and tourism; ethnicity; labor, war invalids and social affairs; religion and belief than male deputies. There is no significant difference between male and female deputies in terms of time spent on activities as National Assembly deputies, as well as in handling voters' petitions and recommendations.

In terms of qualities and ability to perform tasks, the proportion of female deputies who value the qualities of “speaking appropriately” and “having the ability to persuade” is higher than that of male deputies. The interests of voters in the locality where they are running for election are the most influential factor in the decisions of both male and female National Assembly deputies when they give their opinions on a specific issue. At the same time, the wishes of voters are the most influential factor in the performance of duties of both male and female National Assembly deputies. Both male and female National Assembly deputies agree that female deputies perform their duties better in the areas of education, health, labor and employment.

Ms. Elisa Cavacece - Deputy Ambassador and Development Counselor, Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam  

“The PAPI Index is a powerful tool for the Government of Vietnam to gain feedback on how policies are implemented and how citizens benefit from public services. We have also been very supportive of the recent increase in gender focus in PAPI research,” said Elisa Cavacece, Deputy Head of Mission and Development Counsellor, Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam. “Today’s initial presentation of the findings is a useful forum for the Embassy of Ireland to express our support and solidarity in the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment, which are key areas for the Embassy of Ireland in partnership with the Government of Vietnam, multilateral organisations and civil society.”

To achieve the goal of increasing the number of female National Assembly deputies by 2030, the study recommends promoting the implementation of Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the 7th Central Committee (Term XII), which emphasizes that there must be female cadres in the structure of the standing committees of Party committees and Party organizations at all levels. Specifically, Party committee members at all levels must reach 20-25% female; National Assembly deputies and People's Councils at all levels must reach over 35% female.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh - former Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities

According to Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), head of the research team, “Most of the interviewed delegates believe that there will come a time when the number of female and male National Assembly delegates will be equal. The important thing is to join hands to create an environment for female National Assembly delegates to develop their potential.” The study also recommends creating favorable conditions for National Assembly delegates to increase contact and dialogue with voters through many channels, including social media applications; at the same time, creating every opportunity for female National Assembly delegates to participate in all fields by promoting gender balance in National Assembly Committees.

Ms. Caitlin Wiesen - UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam

“The equal representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions at all levels, in both the public and private sectors, is critical to Viet Nam’s socio-economic development vision and is key to ensuring equal development opportunities and leaving no one behind,” said Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam. “UNDP looks forward to continuing to work with development partners and the National Assembly of Viet Nam to close the gender gap – both quantitatively and qualitatively – to not only have more women in elected positions, but also to support them to perform their duties more effectively once elected.”