Overview of the Opening Session of the International Scientific Conference: "Gender Issues in Philosophy and Culture: A Comparative Research Approach"
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) shared: “In the world and in Vietnam today, there have been significant advances towards gender equality in many aspects, both theoretically and practically. The percentage of women participating in high-level state agencies, owning businesses, achieving high achievements in science, etc., is increasing. However, traditional patriarchal attitudes still influence many aspects of modern life. Domestic violence and gender-based violence still exist, especially prevalent in areas with difficult economic and social conditions; gender stereotypes also greatly affect career choices and professional advancement opportunities for today's young generation. Therefore, research on gender issues, gender equality, and women's rights attracts the attention of numerous experts in many fields: history, philosophy, law, sociology, psychology, etc. In this context In that context, an international scientific conference studying gender in philosophy and culture from a comparative approach truly has profound scientific and practical significance, providing a multifaceted perspective that can shed light on many gender issues in various aspects of life in Vietnam and the region.
Principal Hoang Anh Tuan delivered the opening remarks at the workshop.
In his introductory report to the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung (Faculty of Philosophy, VNU-USSH), with the topic: “Gender Issues and Feminism: Some Reflections,” provided an overview of gender issues as addressed in philosophical and religious theories, as well as in modern social practices in Vietnam and around the world. According to Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Quang Hung: “Gender issues and gender equality, considered from both individual and social perspectives, are not just a problem for Vietnam but for all of humanity. Achieving gender equality and feminism in contemporary society cannot be resolved overnight, nor can it be a problem confined to a single country; it certainly requires comprehensive and holistic solutions.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung presented the introductory report at the conference.
The workshop was divided into three subcommittees to allow researchers and delegates to present their research findings and engage in discussions and exchanges related to the workshop's theme.
Subcommittee 1: Gender Issues in Culture: Theory and Practice.
Subcommittee 2: Gender Issues in Philosophy
Subcommittee 3: Gender Equality: Some Theoretical and Practical Issues
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Prof. Dr. Tran Van Doan (Fu Jen University, Taiwan (China)), and Dr. Ngo Dang Toan chaired the discussion session of Subcommittee 1.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xie Li Li (Nanning Normal University, China), and Dr. Pham Thanh Ha chaired the panel discussion in Subcommittee 2.
Delegates attending Subcommittee 2 "Gender Issues in Philosophy" of the Conference
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Hanh, and Dr. Ngo Dang Toan chaired the panel discussion of Subcommittee 3.
At the conference, scholars from Vietnam and abroad directly presented the results of their research on gender issues in philosophy (through the theories of prominent philosophers in history), in culture and religion (through the doctrines and practices of religions and beliefs), as well as in current practical life in countries around the world and in Vietnam.
In his research, Professor Tran Van Doan (Fu Jen University) proposes a thesis on Vietnamese thinking based on the principle of maternalism. This maternal way of thinking follows a decisive pattern in life, such as the elements that create life (birth), nurturing (nurturing), education (education), and fulfillment (joy). To support his thesis, Professor Tran Van Doan cites numerous cultural concepts, symbols, and phenomena related to the image of "mother," emphasizing and honoring the role of women in religious life, beliefs, family, and society. The issue of gender and the promotion of women's rights are not issues of modern society; the idea of valuing the role of women has its roots in traditional Vietnamese culture.
Several reports presented at the Conference analyzed the content on gender, feminism, and women's liberation, as well as those addressed in the works of several philosophers, social activists, and thinkers: Hegel, John Stuart Mill, Simone de Beauvoir, Amartya Sen, etc. The reports indicated that, although to varying degrees, the issue of gender is considered by philosophers from many different approaches, thereby explaining the root causes of gender inequality and proposing solutions to mitigate it, affirming and enhancing the role of women in various aspects of social life.
In a comparative view, scholars share research findings on feminist thought through several specific cases, such as: Professor Tsai Wei-Min (Atheilia University) with the report: "Interpretation of the Mazu Belief Phenomenon in Taiwan from a Global Perspective"; Professor Wang Shang-Wen (Krirk University): "Goddess or God: The Transformation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva"; Professor Jean-Francois Duypeyron (Bordeaux Montaigne University): "I Am Equally Important: Proposals for a Comprehensive Feminist Education".
The research findings presented at the conference attracted lively discussions and exchanges from delegates attending both in person at the conference hall and online via the Zoom platform.
Professor Tsai Wei-Min presented a report at the conference.
Concluding the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan affirmed: The conference addressed a highly interesting scientific issue, as evidenced by the approximately 70 reports submitted, including over 20 presented directly, and about 50 lively discussions, comments, and further sharing from numerous researchers, lecturers, and graduate students from universities both domestically and internationally. It is rare for gender issues to be discussed so thoroughly in an official philosophical forum. Through the conference, scholars generally agreed that: Concepts of gender have existed for a long time in history, both in Vietnam and around the world. In Vietnam, the struggle for gender equality has achieved significant results, and the role and status of women in society have been recognized through law, ideology, and practical life. Based on an analysis of gender issues in philosophy, culture, and religion, the reports proposed several solutions to enhance women's status in society, focusing on several groups of solutions: improving institutions and policies on gender equality; strengthening policies to support and create conditions for women to receive education and professional training, and participate in all aspects of social life (politics, economics, culture, science and technology, artistic creation). At the same time, women themselves need to have a correct and comprehensive understanding of their role, thereby forming a self-affirmation of their value and role, striving to seize opportunities for personal development and contribute to the development of society.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan expressed his gratitude for the effective and high-quality participation from scholars both domestically and internationally who submitted meticulous and careful research papers, and who dedicated their valuable time to attend the Conference and engage in open discussions, sharing much useful information. The Organizing Committee plans to conduct peer review and edit the conference proceedings for publication in the near future.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan delivered the concluding remarks at the workshop.
Here are some photos of delegates presenting reports and exchanging comments at the workshop.
