Disclaimer: This is the English translation of an article in Vietnamese, originally published by Nhan Dan Newspaper at https://nhandan.vn/binh-dang-gioi-khong-chi-la-muc-tieu-xa-hoi-ma-la-dong-luc-kinh-te-post936497.html.
Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality, H.E. Ms. Michelle O’Byrne, speaking at the Dialogue on Gender Norms and Women’s Economic Empowerment event on 4 December 2025.
Early in her tenure, Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality, H.E. Ms. Michelle O’Byrne chose Vietnam as one of her first destinations to visit.
Through statements made in her meetings with representatives across government, National Assembly, the private sector and social organisations, she acknowledged Vietnam’s remarkable strides in advancing gender equality, emphasising that this is not only social goal but also a driver for sustainable economic growth.
The Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Vietnamese side to the delegation throughout the visit.
ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY
Ambassador O’Byrne noted that exchanges and on-the-ground observations demonstrate Vietnam’s tangible progress in advancing gender equality. Vietnam currently has a comprehensive Gender Equality Law and progressive Labour Code reforms. Notably, women’s labour force participation in Vietnam stands at over 62 per cent, placing it among the highest in ASEAN. Women also hold approximately 30 per cent of National Assembly seats, exceeding the global average. These achievements reflect Vietnam’s commitment and leadership on gender equality and a clear understanding of its urgency.
Ambassador O’Byrne participating in the Dialogue on Gender Norms and Women’s Economic Empowerment event.
However, Ambassador O’Byrne noted that despite this progress, challenges remain – just like in Australia. Women continue to be over-represented in lower-paid, less secure jobs and underrepresented at senior leadership levels. Gender pay gaps persist, and social norms continue to reinforce women’s unpaid care burden limiting their leadership opportunities. Rapid demographic change is increasing pressure on family-based care networks.
According to the Ambassador, these realities underscore why advancing gender equality is not only a social goal, but also an economic imperative.
“Promoting gender equality is not only a social goal, but also a driver of sustainable economic growth.”
-H.E. Ms. Michelle O’Byrne, Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality
From that perspective, Ambassador O’Byrne believes that Vietnam’s progress provides a strong foundation for continued efforts in the coming period. Dismantling barriers, shifting norms, and ensuring women can participate fully in all spheres of life are essential requirements to achieve full potential and drive sustainable economic growth.
In an interview with Nhan Dan Newspaper, Ambassador O’Byrne emphasised the powerful role of social norms in bridging the gap between perception and behaviour regarding gender equality.
According to the Ambassador, views on the roles of women and men in leadership, in family care responsibilities or in social life have a profound influence on decisions made within families, workplaces and communities. Therefore, changing these norms requires deliberate actions, including public communication campaigns, community dialogue, and the promotion of role models, alongside systemic reforms.
“Norms about “appropriate” roles of women and men have a profound influence on decisions made within families, workplaces and communities.”
-H.E. Ms. Michelle O’Byrne, Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality
FROM AMPLIFYING POSITIVE EXAMPLES TO ADVANCING POLICY REFORM
In that context, the Ambassador assessed Vietnam’s National Action Month for Gender Equality and the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence as a positive initiative that contributes to raising awareness and generating broader social momentum.
Ambassador O’Byrne engaging with the ECUE-VGEM booth at the event.
According to Ambassador O’Byrne, efforts that highlight positive local examples and role models and engage men as partners can help accelerate sustainable change. At the same time, reforms that redistribute care responsibilities and strengthen workplace equality policies are critical to ensuring that behaviour change is supported by appropriate mechanism.
Ambassador O’Byrne also shared about Australia’s “Investing in Women” initiative, which supports local organisations in Vietnam in fostering dialogue on the roles women and men in the family, in society, and in the economy. Through campaigns and Communities of Practice, this initiative aims to encourage thoughtful and shared action toward women’s economic empowerment.
Ambassador O’Byrne engaging with the TUVA – Nha Nhieu Cot booth at the event.
According to her, this “hearts and minds” approach works hand in hand with social mobilisation and institutional reforms. It complements efforts to strengthen gender equality policies and practices.
“When barriers are removed and social norms are shifted toward a progressive direction, we unlock the full potential of women’s economic empowerment, benefitting societies as a whole.”
H.E. Ms. Michelle O’Byrne, Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality
Drawing from practical experience, Australia’s global Ambassador for Gender Equality emphasised gender equality as a core pillar of Australia’s foreign policy. Australia is committed to sharing knowledge and supporting Vietnam’s efforts to achieve its gender equality goals, in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
When barriers are removed and social norms are shifted toward a progressive direction, we unlock the full potential of women’s economic empowerment, benefitting nations and societies as a whole, the Ambassador said.