Vietnamese woman receives French honour order Vietnamese woman now possess all personality traits of a modern woman

Present at the ceremony were Member of the Party’s Central Committee and President of Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, Director for the World Bank in Vietnam Victoria Kwakwa, and UN Women Vietnam Representative Suzette Mitchell, along with representatives from various ministries, agencies and central organisations.

Addressing participants, Women’s Union President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa said that the event aims to identify and praise both individuals and groups for their innovations as well as encourage and bring into reality the innovative ideas on women’s economic empowerment.

The Vietnam Women’s Innovation Day 2013 is also an opportunity for policy makers and those with ideas and determination working within economic development to network and share their expertise, solutions and innovations, she added.

“The VWID 2013 offers us opportunities to identify women’s empowerment initiatives that think “outside the box” and act beyond existing, predefined parameters and traditional interventions. Taking into account the innovations, we can improve the lives of women and girls in Vietnam and make gender equality a reality” said Suzette Mitchell, UN Women Vietnam Representative.

The World Bank Director for Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa emphasised the importance of close coordination between development partners and the Government in makingprogress on gender issues in Vietnam.

The VWID 2013 program seeks and supports initiatives of economic empowerment for women, with sub-themes focused on female entrepreneurs (from Chief Executives to small business owners), women’s empowerment in business and production, and better roles for women.

At least 20 awards, each worth a maximum of US$15,000 will be presented to the most innovative and practical proposals for implementation.

The program will commence in March conclude on Vietnam Women’s Day on October 20 , 2013, with 3 major activities: 1. Seek and support innovative proposals which are capable of empowering and enhancing the economic capacity of women; 2. Honor new products developed by women within economic development through exhibiting and awarding innovative products 3. Hold a conference to honor women with strong economic achievements, and a forum to exchange views and share experience.

Proposals must be submitted by 5pm on June 30, 2013, with the final round of judging and associated discussion forums to be held in Hanoi in October.

VOV