Spreading the spirit of gender equality in sports towards sustainable development

On the afternoon of June 30, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports and Physical Training Department, chaired a seminar to share knowledge on gender equality in sports with the theme: "Sports and women in the era of rising up, towards sustainable development".

In her opening speech, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen affirmed the important meaning of sports for women in modern society, and at the same time held an extremely important role in the development of the country's sports as well as improving the quality of life of the people.

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department - hopes that there will be policies specifically for female athletes to promote gender equality in sports.

With the efforts of all levels of government and leaders of the Vietnamese Sports and Physical Training sector, the gender inequality in sports has narrowed a large gap. Many female athletes have achieved great achievements in their sports careers such as Nguyen Thi Anh Vien (Swimming), Nguyen Thuy Linh (Badminton), Nguyen Thi Oanh (Athletics), Chau Tuyet Van (Taekwondo) or the Vietnamese Women's Volleyball team...

"The Gender Equality in Sports Project focusing on promoting the participation of women and girls is one of Japan's key and outstanding projects with ASEAN countries, including the active participation of Vietnam. From 2023 to present, the Vietnam Sports Administration has closely coordinated with Seijo University (Japan) - the focal point authorized by Japan's central sports management agency to implement the Gender Equality in Sports Project in the ASEAN bloc" - Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen said.

Overview of the discussion

In October, Vietnam will host the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting (AMMS 8) and the 16th ASEAN Senior Sports Officials Meeting (SOMS 16). During the two main meetings, the 5th ASEAN + Japan Sports Ministers Meeting (5th AMMS + Japan) and the 8th ASEAN + Japan Senior Sports Officials Meeting (8th SOMS + Japan) will also take place.

This seminar is also part of the ASEAN-Japan Gender Equality Project to eliminate gender barriers and prejudices in sports in ASEAN countries. Vietnam highly appreciates the cooperative efforts between ASEAN and Japan in developing sports for all in the region in general and for Vietnam in particular. As an active member of ASEAN, the contents drawn from this seminar will effectively contribute to the progress of the Gender Equality in Sports Project.

Athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh shares at the seminar

The seminar received many shares, exchanges and innovative contributions to contribute to the development of preferential policies for women in the field of physical education and sports, promoting the development and progress of women in the process of innovation, international integration and national development in general.

According to athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh, women need to overcome gender stereotypes, overcome challenges and do everything they want to assert themselves: "With sports, if you are not a professional athlete, each woman should choose a suitable sport to practice to be healthy, beautiful, confident, and always shine."

Sharing at the Seminar, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Ha, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) said that, with the participation of the whole industry, VFF is developing and professionalizing the national women's football championship and clubs. Developing young players to continue the success of the National Women's Team, thereby achieving the goal of reaching the final round of the 2031 Women's World Cup.

"In addition, VFF will increase women's football participation and create an equal playing field for female students to participate in football at school. In particular, VFF will develop community football participation, use football as a platform to develop life skills for girls and coordinate with relevant parties to bring equal access to football opportunities" - Ms. Nguyen Thanh Ha said.

With the important role of women in society, especially the contribution of female athletes, coaches and female leaders to the development of the sports industry in the context of the country's current historical transformation, Deputy Director Le Thi Hoang Yen hopes that the Discussion with the theme: "Sports and Women in the Era of Rising, Towards Sustainable Development" will implement the shared opinions and dedicated contributions from the guests to have specific policies for female athletes in the near future.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/lan-toa-tinh-than-binh-dang-gioi-trong-the-thao-huong-den-phat-trien-ben-vung-20250630180339636.htm