On March 26th, the "Youth Address Gender Stereotypes and Promote Gender Equality in Vietnam" project, also known as Youth & Gender, wrapped up after an impactful tenure of four years. This initiative engaged tens of thousands of pioneering students, journalists, and marketing professionals in the push for gender equality. The closing event saw nearly 100 participants from across Vietnam.

The initiative was grounded in the Vietnamese context, where gender roles and stereotypes are often reinforced by movies, radio, TV programs, advertising, and social media. These platforms frequently depict limited views on gender roles, women's leadership capabilities, and traditional notions of masculinity. 

Youth & Gender project aimed to challenge and transform these narratives. The project focused on three key areas: youth become catalysts and change makers for gender equality in personal and societal life; increased gender sensitivity in journalism and advertising; and positive changes in public perceptions and behaviors towards a more gender-inclusive stance.

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Mr. Pham Quang Tu, Deputy National Director, Oxfam in Vietnam, delivered the opening note: "The outcomes of the Youth & Gender project hold significant meaning, reflecting the spirit of the Vietnamese youth in expressing their views and challenging gender stereotypes, thereby aiming to gradually eliminate the prevalent gender norms in media and social life in Vietnam."

After four years, the project has marked significant milestones, accumulating over 11 million reach through an array of activities and media campaigns, involving more than 14,000 youths, 50 businesses, and 19 media outlets in spreading the message of equality. The impact of the project transcends mere numbers; it is reflected in changed attitudes and actions of the youth, media professionals, and the business community.

The journey to change harmful gender norms is not an overnight endeavor. Yet, this project stands as a testament to a viable roadmap, bolstering the belief that collective efforts from like-minded partners can build a future free from stereotypes, towards realizing an equal and inclusive society.

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Mrs. Kristina Buende - Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam, noted in her ending speech: "As you may recall, I have once referred to “sex-based discrimination” as the barrier to development. That’s why the Sustainable Development Goal number 5 (SDG5) suggests to achieve gender equality by ending all forms of discrimination. And that is why TeamEurope commits to helping Vietnam materialize the Convention on Ending All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), since the country ratified such Convention in 1982. The Youth and Gender Project is one of many examples of our support for promoting gender equality. It is special to TeamEurope because this is the first and only gender-related project, with which we engage young students, universities, journalists, communication agencies, and private sectors."

The "Youth Address Gender Stereotypes and Promote Gender Equality in Vietnam" project (2020 - 2024) is funded by the European Union and implemented in three big cities in Vietnam: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The project was implemented by Oxfam in Vietnam and Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas (CISDOMA), in collaboration with the Vietnam Journalists Association, RED Communication, and TUVA Communication.

Central to this transformative journey were the students and young individuals across Vietnam, whose enthusiasm and dedication have been the true heartbeat of our mission.

Watch project video here