In the morning of October 11^th, to celebrate 7^th International Day of Girl child initiated by United Nations, Australia Volunteers International AVI in collaboration with Australian Embassy and Vietnam Women’s Museum organized a morning tea program in order to raise awareness of gender equality as well as child protection. With the theme for International Day of the Girl Child 2018: “With Her: A Skilled GirlForce”, morning tea attracted participation of representatives of Australia Embassy , UNESCO Viet Nam, Regional Director of AVI and many Australia Volunteers in Viet Nam. In particular, the talk was shared by two gender specialists, Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, Director of Institute for Social Development Studies and Ms. Le Quynh Lan, Gender Program Manager, Plan International Vietnam.

In the scope of morning tea, experts comfortably shared their personal stories and experiences. They also discussed on positive changes and challenges that girls faces, programs aiming to support girl child that organizations have been implementing.

According to the General Office of Statistics, in Vietnam, the current labour force participation rate for women is significantly lower than that of men, and the gap between technically trained male and female rural labourers has been consistently widening. The quality of employment of female labourers remains lower than that of male labourers. Women being self-employed or working for their households accounted for up to 62% of female labourers, meaning they do not have stable employment and their labour rights are not fully secured. In this context, it is essential to equip knowledge and skills for girls and give them equal opportunities with boys.

Morning tea not only contributes to raising awareness for girls but also aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

In the end of the talkshow, participants joined interactive activities by giving advices for girl child before turning 12. This activity will be retained in the museum to interact with the public for a week.