Introducing the movie "Gender Equality"

Professor Pham Quang Minh said that this event is not only an opportunity for students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to meet a director from the United States, but also for them to share their perspectives on gender equality, thereby helping them become stronger and more confident in the future.

During the event, the audience watched excerpts from the documentary 'The Balance of Gender Equality'. The film is the culmination of Sharon Rowen's 37 years as a lawyer and 20 years as a filmmaker. Based on interviews conducted over two decades, the film provides insight into the stories of five generations of American female lawyers. Among them are Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, Roe v. Wade, and attorney Margie Pitts Hames. The film director also interviewed state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges, partners for women's justice, minority women, colleagues, and students.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh presented souvenirs to director Sharon Rowen and Ms. Karen Tang (Deputy Cultural Attaché of the US Embassy in Vietnam)

Through the film, director Sharon Rowen shows how discrimination against women has shifted from overt to subtle. This discrimination is shown through facts such as the fact that women typically receive only 80% of the income that men receive for the same amount of work. They are not trusted in leadership roles, despite their true abilities and dedication. On the other hand, women are expected to take on both roles at work and at home, which makes them feel exhausted with life. Gradually, all of these become cultural prejudices that are deeply ingrained in the balance of life. Many women are forced to choose not to get married or not to have children in order to pursue their careers.

To overcome gender inequality and gradually eliminate gender stereotypes, director Sharon Rowen believes that we can start from small environments such as family and workplace. Each individual, whether male or female, can contribute their part. Sometimes, just giving advice, expressing opinions in a gentle and modest way in the face of discriminatory attitudes and behaviors has contributed to changing perceptions in society. For each woman, to overcome gender stereotypes in work and life, the most important thing for them is to find a sympathetic partner who shares the burden with them. They need to understand that this is not a fight against men, but against gender stereotypes.

Interacting with director Sharon Rowen, students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities also shared their personal stories and perspectives and asked questions about the issue of gender equality. They expressed their sympathy for women who are victims of gender stereotypes. At the same time, they could not hide their admiration for their will to rise to high positions and become decision makers in society. Thanks to the film, they received the message about the fight against gender inequality and expressed their willingness to become a part of this difficult but noble cause.

School students take souvenir photos with director Sharon Rowen

Sharon Rowen received her BA from Emory University and her JD from Columbia Southern University School of Law. She is a founding partner of the law firm Rowen & Klonoski, and the film production company, R & K Productions, both based in Atlanta. Sharon’s films have been screened by some of the world’s largest companies, as well as groups such as the National Bar Association and National Organizations for Women, including the ABA/Harvard Summit and the National Association of Women Lawyers.