Attending the event were Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Member of the Cental Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union, Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; Tran Lan Phuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union; representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, as well as students and teachers from Cao Bang province.

At the museum, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and Madam Azoulay both toured the “Women in Family” theme and the painting exhibit related to the “We CAN” project for ethnic minority children.

With the aim of promoting gender equality and educating female ethnic minority children, the project provides opportunities for them to overcome prejudices and become more confident in voicing their opinions and taking actions towards their dreams. It also strengthens their access to education, help them maitain their studies, creates better opportunities for ethnic minority girls and women in the workforce.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly expressed deep admiration for the project’s name “We CAN”  – short yet rich in meaning. She noted that the title, with its simlicity and sincerity, transforms the project’s name into an emotional message. It embodies the spirit of a collective journey by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, and communities working together toward a more inclusive, just, and compassionate future for women and girls.

The spouse of Party General Secrectary To Lam reiterated Vietnam’s strategic focus on gender equality through inititatives such as expanding educational access in remote areas, promoting STEM education for girls, and enhancing women’s participation in public life.

Speaking at the event, Member of the Cental Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Tuyen highly appriciated the leading role and contributions of UNESCO General – Director in promoting cultural and educational values as well as gender equality, worldwide.

She also expressed her sincere thanks to the spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam for her special interest in children and activities promoting the advancement of Vietnamese women, especially for her esteemed support of the Vietnam Women’s Union in cultural events that highlight national identity.

The Vietnam Women’s Union has been a pioneer in protecting the rights and legal interests of children and womenl; promoting gender equality, and contributing to the nation’s stable development. It has always been committed to helping those in need, carrying out the “Godmother” movement for thousands of children facing difficult circumstances, and supporting women in the startup movement, economic development, and building prosperous, equal, and happy families.

Recognize the valuable contributions of the Vietnam Women’s Union in advancing gender equality, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Hanoi Office, expressed his honor in being invited to the Vietnam Women’s Museum alongside the First Lady, General Secretary To Lam, the President of the Vietnam Women’s Union, and leaders from various ministries and agencies. He emphasized that UNESCO considers gender equality as an essential factor for sustainable development and lasting peace. He also expressed pride in the long-standing partnership with Vietnam in promoting gender equality in education, science, culture, and communication.

At the event, First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay shared tea and discussed issues related to promoting gender equality for girls, particularly encouraging girls to engage in science and technology fields. First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her hope that, in the future, UNESCO would continue to launch more projects in collaboration with the Vietnam Women’s Union and other agencies to promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

* Some images at the event: