Humanities students offer suggestions on communication strategies to prevent sexual violence.

Attending the seminar were Ms. Ping Kitnikone (Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam), Ms. Nguyen Van Anh (Director of CSAGA), Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Head of the Department of Public Relations and Advertising), along with many students from the Journalism and Communication major.

The seminar aimed to enhance young people's understanding of the topic of sexual violence against women and girls and to call for initiatives from Journalism and Communication students to propose social media solutions to prevent this scourge.

Professor Pham Quang Minh and Ms. Nguyen Van Anh

In his opening remarks at the seminar, Professor Pham Quang Minh emphasized the long-standing and effective cooperation between the University and the Canadian Embassy and CSAGA. The Rector also highly appreciated the important significance of the seminar's topic, stating that violence against women and children – sadly – ​​still exists in many parts of the world, even in developed, modern societies that uphold human rights. He noted that there is no better place than a university to research, share experiences, connect, and jointly launch social movements to raise awareness and prevent such acts of violence. He also thanked CSAGA and the Canadian Embassy for not only accompanying the University in meaningful social activities like this but also for inspiring positive living in young people through their humane messages.

Ms. Ping Kitnikone - Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam

Professor Pham Quang Minh presents flowers to the guests.

Sharing this view, Ms. Ping Kitnikone stated that sexual violence is one of many forms of violence against women and girls that continues to occur in many countries around the world. Regardless of the form it takes, it is unacceptable. This is also a key concern in many social activities that the Canadian Embassy collaborates with various international organizations on. She also believes that young people will be crucial in spreading meaningful messages against these crimes.

Associate Professor Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong - Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, spoke about the social role of journalism and communication in raising awareness and changing social behavior regarding violence against women.

Ms. Dang Thi Thu Huong shared that Vietnam has achieved many successes in bridging the gender equality gap over the past 20 years, but is currently facing many challenges regarding violence against women and girls. Clearly, the media plays a crucial role in changing societal awareness, attitudes, and behaviors on this issue. She also stated that the close cooperation and enthusiastic support of the Canadian Embassy and non-profit organizations like CSAGA have encouraged and inspired those working in journalism and media to better understand their social roles and responsibilities, contributing to building a more equal and better society.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen encouraged and motivated the students to express their views and come up with communication ideas based on the communication knowledge they had learned.

At the seminar, young people shared surprising stories about violence against women in their lives. It turned out that sexual violence can happen right next to us, and any woman can experience it. Sometimes it occurs simply from seemingly small, everyday situations that we might overlook or ignore. And it is fear and resignation that cause many women to suffer, be disadvantaged, and not dare to share their experiences with anyone.

Journalism and Communication students share real-life situations they have witnessed regarding sexual violence against women.

Many young people have bravely expressed their views and contributed initiatives to building a communication campaign to prevent violence against women and girls.

Under the guidance of speaker Ms. Nguyen Van Anh, Director of CSAGA, young people were instructed to identify sexual violence against women and girls from various perspectives and angles. More importantly, the sharing session contributed to spreading a powerful message: don't be silent, resist, and join hands to fight violence with your own strength and compassionate heart. Using their professional knowledge and skills, journalism and communication students also contributed many initiatives to build strong and effective communication campaigns to raise awareness and change social behavior on this issue in Vietnam.