Positive changes regarding violence against women in Vietnam

The second National Study on Violence Against Women in Vietnam 2019 was released on July 14, offering a comprehensive and updated picture of this scourge, as well as what has changed since the first study, carried out in 2010. It also makes Vietnam the only country in the world so far which has conducted a second dedicated study specifically using the cross-culturally validated methodology as developed by the World Health Organisation.

The study was managed by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), in collaboration with the General Statistics Office, with technical and financial support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

According to Nguyen Thi Ha, MOLISA Deputy Minister and Standing Vice Chairperson of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in Vietnam, nearly ten years since the first survey, the percentage of women suffering from violence has decreased slightly.

Positive change is clearly to be seen among young women who did not have to endure the same levels as their predecessors and who have showed their strength in fighting against violence. Women who have higher education are less likely to experience violence. This shows that education is very important in helping women to be stronger, more confident and independent in life, Ha said.

Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, also agreed that the 2019 study showed some positive signs, for instance, aside from sexual violence, all forms of violence were lower in 2019 than in 2010, and this was even more pronounced amongst the younger generations.

Also, the 2019 report witnessed changes in gender norms amongst young people in a progressive direction. “These mean that we must make the right investments in young people to accelerate changes and eliminate completely violence against women,” the UN official suggested.

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha speaks at the ceremony.

However, according to Deputy Minister Ha, many women are still vulnerable to violence as violence against women often remains hidden because gender stereotypes are still common in society, the official pointed out, adding that silence, stigma from the community and a culture of blame are barriers that prevent survivors from speaking out and seeking help.

At the launch, representatives from the Governments of Vietnam and Australia as well as the UNFPA called for more urgent action to end violence against women.

“No matter where violence happens, in what forms, or who it affects, it must be stopped,” concluded UNFPA Representative Naomi Kitahara. “Together, we should work to create a world where both women and men, girls and boys, can enjoy a life free from violence. We commend Vietnam for its commitment to achieving this vision.”

“Each piece of data in this report represents the experience of a Vietnamese woman or girl, whether in their home, at work or in a public place. This report means that we hear them, we believe them, and we need to act,” said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.