Female National Assembly deputies (Photo: VNA)

The Constitution, policies and laws have created a legal framework for women to develop, participate in political activities and enhance gender equality. The National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2011-2020 period set a target of at least 35% of the National Assembly (NA) and People's Council deputies at all levels being women during the 2011-2016 tenure. However, there is always a certain gap between the provisions of the law and the reality. The proportion of female deputies in the 14th National Assembly only reached 26.72% and the percentage of female People's Council members at all three levels for the 2016-2021 term was higher than the previous tenure but still did not reach the target of 30% as expected.

In the list of 868 people officially running for the elections to the 15th National Assembly, as announced by the Office of the National Election Council, 500 deputies will be selected from 184 constituencies across Vietnam. Accordingly, in terms of the overall combined structure of the country, there are 393 female candidates, accounting for 45.28%, an increase of 6.31% compared to the 14th tenure. This is also the highest rate in the last four parliamentary elections. The assurance of the proportion of female deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils will be an opportunity for women to arouse and promote their potential, ensuring the country’s development.

According to the regulations of the Law on the Election of NA and People’s Council deputies, the proportion of female candidates must be at least 35%. Many opinions have noted that this proportion is not appropriate to achieve theset target of female elected deputies to 30%. Therefore, the rate of female candidates should be increased to 40%-45%. However, with a female candidacy rate of 45.28%, experts say that it is possible the proportion of female deputies to the 15th National Assembly be higher this time round.

In the short term, the rate of at least 30% as an expected goal is a huge challenge. This will require strong, synchronous and effective measures as well as a high political determination and great efforts made by the female candidates themselves. It is crucial to continue to seriously grasp the awareness and responsibilities of Party committees at all levels, especially the role of the leaders. The authorities should make appropriate policies to create favourable conditions for women to proactively overcome all difficulties and confidently assert themselves in life and work. The inspection, examination and review of the implementation of the law on gender equality must be enhanced, notably regulations related to the ages for the training, planning, promotion and appointment should be revised, to promptly detect any limitations and propose solutions on the work of female cadres.

The relevant agencies should pay sufficient attention to developing plans and improving women’s capacity in all areas; as well as implementing the planning in association with the training, fostering and appointment of female cadres to ensure continuity and sustainability. It is necessary to have more young female leaders from localities and units, so the role of Women's Unions at all levels can be upheld in searching and introducing capable and qualified female faces for the Party and candidates to the NA and People’s Councils at all levels as well as training potential female candidates and raising women’s awareness and responsibility in the elections.

The experts say that in order to increase the proportion of female deputies to the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels, the most important factor is the ability and capacity of the candidates. Therefore, they should determine that their participation in the elections for the NA and People’s Councils at all levels is not only their right but also their obligation. For the 2021-2026 tenure, the female candidates should speed up their action plans, show their bravery and confidence in their election campaigns, contributing to highlighting the image and prestige of women in the political sector./.

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