Award ceremony for the "Walking Together for Gender Equality" competition at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Attending the awards ceremony were Ms. Wendy Matthews (Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam); Ms. Soko Ishitawa (Head of the International Red Cross Office in Vietnam); Mr. Vu Pham Ngoc Tien (Director of the Gender Equality Department, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs); Mr. Vu Manh Cuong (Deputy Director of the Communications Department, Ministry of Health); Ms. Nguyen Van Anh (Director of CSAGA); and Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities).

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Pham Quang Minh thanked the New Zealand Embassy and CSAGA for the idea of ​​organizing the "Walking Together for Gender Equality" competition for students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as for journalists and reporters in Vietnam. The competition reflected the importance of gender equality and the growing public interest in this issue. More than ever, the media plays an increasingly important role in promoting gender equality. This is also a topical social issue that students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities need to pay attention to and improve their understanding of.

Ms. Nguyen Van Anh – Director of the CSAGA Center – stated: According to reports, in Vietnam, three children are sexually abused every day; many women suffer severe physical and mental abuse. Violence against women is a serious violation of human rights and an obstacle to a just and better society. Gender inequality will remain silent if it is not addressed and spoken out against by the press and media. To contribute to the fight against this scourge, CSAGA partnered with the New Zealand Embassy and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to launch this competition. The competition was more successful than expected and provided great encouragement and motivation to the individuals and organizations participating in the struggle for social justice.

Ambassador Wendy Matthews, representing the sponsor of the competition, stated: "Newspapers and media play a crucial role in our lives, not only sharing information and ideas but also reflecting existing prejudices in society. By collaborating with news agencies and social media, the New Zealand Embassy hopes to work together to eliminate prejudices and inequalities against women." The Ambassador also shared that among the submitted entries, some were truly moving and heartbreaking, highlighting the issue of violence against women in society. She also hoped that reporters and journalists would write more inspiring articles about successful women and bring these stories to readers.