The event drew the participation of female officials, entrepreneurs and students in HCM City and surrounding localities.

In her opening remarks, Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul General to HCM City, said Vietnamese women are now very active and engage in all social activities in various fields from politics to business, scientific research, arts and sports.

“This is the first time we have had a ‘Women in Vietnam’ conference,” she said, hoping that the conference will become an annual event that provides practical support to young Vietnamese women.

Targeting final-year female university students and recent graduates, the event was to enhance participants’ understanding of the importance of women’s representation in leadership and shine a light on health and well-being challenges facing women.

A number of side events included seminars on issues relating to the rights and interests of women in modern life, health, human trafficking and domestic violence.

With speakers being business leaders and managing directors of many international groups, social researchers and activists, the conference focused on discussing ways to create opportunities for women to exercise their rights to equality and development.

They also talked measures to prevent dangerous diseases for women and fight gender violence, while calling on people to pay attention to women’s health and spirit.

The conference also launched a competition to win a 10-week English language scholarship placement in Australia, and a programme that will place final-year female university students and recent graduates in internships with more than 20 prestigious international and Vietnamese companies.-VNA