UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen (Photo: Tuan Duc/VNA)

Ms. Wiesen said the results of last year’s election were “very encouraging” in terms of the increased number of women deputies elected to the National Assembly and provincial People’s Councils. The percentage of women in the National Assembly is now 30.3%, up 3.5% from the previous tenure.

Promoting gender equality and strengthening public institutions have been central to UNDP’s mandate and development approach, Ms. Wiesen said, adding that in 2022, through the new project “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment”, UNDP Vietnam will continue to deepen its commitment to and support for the country’s efforts to increase women’s participation in political institutions at all levels.