VietNamNet Bridge – Greater gender equality, especially among National Assembly deputies, will be promoted at all political levels in the future.

At the "Orientation and Training of female National Assembly deputies and People's Council candidates during 2011-16" conference, participants heard information about a project to provide additional trainning to future female leaders.

At the forum, which is being held in Ha Noi from January 22nd to 24th, Fatherland Front's Democracy Legislation Department Head Nguyen Ngoc Dinh said women should be more dynamic and confident as they take on high-ranking positions.

"Women are playing increasingly important roles in our society across the board and in unions particularly," said Dinh. "In order to receive social recognition and hold higher managerial positions, it's a must for women to accumulate proficient knowledge and soft skills, including communication and negotiating skills," .

About 15 per cent of new Party Committee members are women.

Under resolution No 11-NQ/TW, which was passed by the Politburo on April 27th 2007, the proportion of women joining the Party Committee at all levels should be 25 per cent, while 35 to 40 per cent of new National Assembly and People's Council members should be female.

The conference is part of the project "Increasing the number of female leaders," which is being jointly conducted by the Viet Nam Women's Union and Spain's Agency for Development and Co-operation (AECID).

Female candidates had an opportunity to study about political consultative conferences and election campaigns.

They also discussed socio-economic development, the role of women in the political system and communication.

"These training courses are extremely necessary for women, if we want to see an increase in the number of female leaders in unions, Councils and at Party Committees," said deputy director of the University of Labour and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Thuan, who was attending the conference.

Thuan added that the project would be helpful to women because many of them are knowledgeable and talented, but lack confidence and communication skills.

The project "Increasing the number of female leaders" will be implemented in Hai Phong, Quang Binh, Phu Tho, Kon Tum, Kien Giang and Binh Phuoc provinces.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News