Introducing the film "The Balance of Gender Equality"

Professor Pham Quang Minh believes that this event is not only an opportunity for students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to interact with 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, attendees watched excerpts from the documentary "The Balance of Gender Equality." The film is a 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 offers insightful perspectives on the stories of American female lawyers across five generations. These include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, Roe v. Wade, and attorney Margie Pitts Hames. The director also interviewed state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges, partners in women's equality, women from minority groups, colleagues, and students.

Professor Pham Quang Minh presents commemorative gifts to director Sharon Rowen and Ms. Karen Tang (Deputy Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam).

Through the film, director Sharon Rowen reveals how discrimination against women has shifted from overt to subtle. This discrimination is manifested in realities such as women typically receiving only 80% of the income men receive for the same amount of work. They are not trusted in leadership roles, despite their abilities and dedication. On the other hand, women are expected to excel in both work and family roles, leaving them exhausted. Gradually, all of this becomes deeply ingrained cultural prejudice. Many women are forced to choose not to marry or have children in order to pursue their careers.

To address gender inequality and gradually eliminate gender stereotypes, director Sharon Rowen suggests that we can start in smaller environments such as the family and workplace. Each individual, male or female, can contribute. Sometimes, simply offering constructive criticism or expressing opinions gently and politely regarding discriminatory attitudes and behaviors can help change societal perceptions. For women, overcoming gender stereotypes in work and life is crucial, especially finding a partner who is understanding and shares the burden. They need to understand that this is not a battle against men, but against gender biases.

During the interaction with director Sharon Rowen, students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities shared their personal stories and perspectives, and asked questions about gender equality. They expressed empathy for women who are victims of gender stereotypes and prejudices. They also couldn't hide their admiration for the willpower of women who rise to high positions and become influential figures in society. Thanks to the film, they received a message about fighting against gender inequality and expressed their willingness to be a part of this challenging but noble endeavor.

Students from the school took a commemorative photo with director Sharon Rowen.

Sharon Rowen received her bachelor's degree from Emory University and her jurisprudence degree from Columbia Southern University School of Law. She is a co-founder and 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 at some of the world's largest firms, as well as organizations such as the National Bar Association and National Women's Organizations, including the ABA/Harvard Summit and the National Association of Women Bar Representatives.