HE Ambassador David Devine: “Strong women – A strong world”

With the slogan “Strong Women, Strong World,” HE David Devine wishes to highlight the progress made in gender equality and celebrate the achievements that women have made and continue to make. Each year, Canada chooses a theme for International Women's Day. Canada's theme for International Women's Day 2015 was “Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World. Elevating Economic Opportunity for All.” The focus of this theme is the indispensable daily contribution of women to the national and global economy. The theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring all women have the opportunity to contribute to prosperity, whether as employees, professionals, business leaders, or entrepreneurs.

Scene from the meeting (Photo: Tran Minh)

Canada recognizes gender equality as a fundamental part of human rights. Canada is currently at the forefront of a global effort – the Muskoka Initiative – to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve maternal and child health in the world's poorest countries. In Vietnam, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and other funding sources have supported efforts to prevent domestic violence and human trafficking in several provinces. Last October, the Canada Fund partnered with the Vietnam Women's Museum in Hanoi to organize a photo exhibition on reproductive health, newborns, and young children titled “Saving Every Woman, Saving Every Child,” drawing greater attention to the specific challenges faced by girls and women around the world.

Ambassador HE David Devine giving a presentation (Photo: Tran Minh)

According to the Ambassador, Vietnam should be proud of the great progress made in the field of women's rights and the positive results achieved. Specifically, Vietnam has role models like Kim Thúy, a Vietnamese-Canadian writer born in Ho Chi Minh City and currently living in Quebec, Canada. Her debut work, "Ru," tells the story of her own family's immigration to Canada. They overcame limitations to achieve outstanding success in their careers and have made significant contributions to both Canada and the world.

Ambassador HE David Devine poses for a commemorative photo with Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh and the Faculty of International Studies.(Photo: Tran Minh)

Finally, the Ambassador hopes that we will all work together to strengthen our commitment to a future free from violence and discrimination stemming from gender bias, and a world in which girls and women enjoy true equality.

Nguyen Thu Ha (K57, International Studies) asks a question to Ambassador HE David Devine (Photo: Tran Minh)

Following the presentation, students from the International Studies department engaged in discussions with Ambassador HE David Devine on various issues related to women and women's rights, such as the protection regime for women in Canada against domestic violence and discrimination, policies supporting the LGBT community in Canada, current and future steps to promote women's rights, the differing roles of women in modern and feudal times, and between urban and rural women…