This event marks significant milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's People's Public Security.

 

The conference convened key stakeholders from law enforcement, government, international organizations, and development partners to discuss and promote the empowerment of women police officers. With over 200 participants, including more than 30 women police from around the world, the event focused on discussing ways to overcome barriers for women in law enforcement, fostering gender-responsive policies, and ensuring women have equal opportunities to lead security and peacekeeping efforts.

“The Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam is honored to welcome leaders from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union, the Central Propaganda and Training Commission, various ministries and agencies involved in law enforcement in Vietnam, representatives from embassies and international organizations in Vietnam, female police officers from countries with cooperative relationships with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, and experts in the field of female personnel in law enforcement.

“From various perspectives, experts and delegates, through scientific analysis and practical experience, have focused on examining, assessing, and further clarifying important issues aimed at enhancing the participation of women in law enforcement. Among the proposed solutions, many have been put forward to improve the position, role, and significant contributions of female police officers in the fields of national security protection, maintaining social order and safety, and fulfilling the tasks required in the era of international integration,” said Vice Minister, Major Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To.

The theme of this year's International Women’s Day, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls for collective action to dismantle barriers faced by all women and girls including policewomen, enabling them to meaningfully contribute to sustainable peace, security, and protecting the rights of women and girls, especially in conflict and crisis situations.

“Women in law enforcement are essential to building trust with communities, preventing violence, and responding to crises. Their leadership is critical in shaping inclusive security systems and ensuring that the needs of women and girls are fully addressed,” said Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Country Representative. “UN Women stands committed to supporting Vietnam in its efforts to advance the gender equality objectives of the NAP WPS and promote a gender-responsive security sector.”

The conference featured a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations from global experts. Notable participants include Major General Ngo Hoai Thu, Chairperson of the Ministry of Public Security Women’s Union, Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative for UN Women in Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Shawn Steil, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, and H.E. Mr. Marcus Winsley, Charge D’Affaires of the UK Embassy in Hanoi.

The conference also featured international experts from diverse background to share insights on the challenges and opportunities for women in law enforcement. Ms. Jane Parrott from the UK Home Office and Ms. Karyn Malthus, Senior Police Attaché from New Zealand Police, will discuss policies and programs that support women police officers and the challenges they face in their work. Other notable speakers include Ms. Maša Dikanović from UNITAR, who will highlight the role of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations and gender-responsive policing practices, while Ms. Janelle Canning Lue from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will share experiences on promoting gender equality within the Canadian police force.

This event also highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to gender-responsive policing and the implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS), which aims to increase the participation of women in the security sector, enhance their leadership roles, and ensure comprehensive gender-sensitive responses to conflict, crisis, and disaster management./.