Hanoi forum promotes girls’ rights

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One hundred girls will represent their peers nationwide, with half of them ethnic minorities, to speak of safe public places for girls and consequences of early marriage at a forum in Hanoi on October 7.

The Girls’ Forum themed “Promoting girls’ rights for changes and development” will be jointly held by the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents and Children, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, and Plan International Vietnam in response to International Day of the Girl Child (October 11).

The event’s organisation board said at a press conference in Hanoi on October 2 that the forum is expected to extend the voice and aspirations of children to competent agencies and leaders of the Party and the State at all levels, and create conditions for girls to participate in the building and implementation of relevant policies and laws.

 Following the forum, the NA’s committee will host a meeting to review opinions raised by the girls at the event and make plans to promote rights of girls in particular and children in general.

Since 2012, October 11 has been marked as the International Day of the Girl Child. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

Under the theme “With Her: A Skilled GirlForce”, this year’s event will mark the beginning of a year-long effort to bring together partners and stakeholders to advocate for, and draw attention and investments to, the most pressing needs and opportunities for girls to attain skills for employability.