To commemorate International Women's Day in Vietnam on March 8th, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in collaboration with the United Nations Women's Agency in Vietnam and the Irish Embassy, organized an exchange program with the theme: "Breaking down gender stereotypes about occupations: Towards gender equality" at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi on March 6th, 2013.Attending the program were Ms. Suzette Mitchell - Head Representative of the United Nations Women's Agency in Vietnam, Mr. Damien Cole - Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, Ms. Deborah Chatsis - Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, Mr. Fernando Curcio Ruigomez - Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam; Mr. Duong Van An - Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and representatives from non-governmental organizations… The program included a discussion with female guests who are working in unconventional professions such as: Ms. Nguyen Thao - Social Executive Director in the restaurant industry, Ms. Vo Thanh Thao - pilot, Ms. Vo Mai Huyen - traffic police officer, Ms. Phan Ngoc Thuy - taxi driver. They are doing jobs traditionally considered male. Their thoughts and perspectives on their current work show that they have broken down gender stereotypes about occupations, overcome difficulties and social barriers to affirm the role and position of women. To accomplish such tasks, these women share common traits: passion, the ability to withstand high pressure, a positive mindset, and global integration.
To highlight gender equality in career opportunities, the program also invited men who are currently working in traditionally female-dominated professions: Benoit Ollevier – a stay-at-home dad; Vu Ngoc Binh – a feminist expert; Nguyen Trong Viet – a kindergarten teacher; and Cao Chi Thanh – a ballet dancer. These men are defying traditional gender expectations in Vietnam. They are doing jobs that are atypical for their gender, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices about gender.
Honoring those who pioneer in jobs that are atypical for their gender or jobs traditionally reserved for the opposite gender, Mr. Duong Van An – Secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth Union – affirmed: Vietnamese society today has gradually eliminated gender stereotypes and prejudices about professions to move towards gender equality. Everyone has their own passion for their profession, overcoming societal prejudices and will succeed when they persevere in pursuing that passion. In her speech, Ms. Suzette Michell – Head Representative of the United Nations Women's Agency in Vietnam – emphasized that: Everyone should question their beliefs, the gender stereotypes they hold, and break them down. Shatter them to allow you to realize that a man or a woman can do anything, and gender equality gives you that freedom.
This exchange program delivered a powerful advocacy message for gender equality, particularly in the labor sector. Women and men were encouraged to participate in eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence, and to promote women's rights and advancement. Through this program, students had the opportunity to exchange and discuss gender stereotypes with guest speakers, drawing on their thoughts and lessons to overcome gender biases in the workplace.
