The Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee held a dialogue between its Chairman and local women on December 13 on the theme of accompanying women’s union chapters in promoting gender equality and supporting women's economic development.

At present, the province has 12 women’s unions at the district and equivalent levels, 174 grassroots unions with 1,508 chapters, 4,075 women's groups, and the provincial Women Entrepreneurs’ Association as a member organisation. In response to emulation movements and campaigns over the past years, women's unions at all levels have built namy effective models, significantly contributing to the local socio-economic development. Up to now, 18 models have been established and spread, attracting nearly 1,000 members and women. Support has been provided for about 1,500 households with poor or near-poor women, helping them escape poverty. Three cooperatives owned or managed by women have been set up, apart from four working and 12 linkage groups. Moreover, chapters have also pooled support for 360 orphans living in particularly difficult circumstances, with a total over 2 billion VND (83,300 USD) in cash and kind.

Questions and issues raised at the event were answered by leaders of departments and agencies, focusing on policies and solutions to generate jobs to female workers in rural areas, and incentives for female officials, especially those in ethnic minority areas who engage in local socio-political activities.

In his closing speech, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Bui Van Khanh spoke highly of opinions at the event. He proposed that following the event, departments, agencies, localities and the provincial Women's Union seriously settle the discussed issues, concretise appropriate suggestions from officials and women union members into mechanisms and policies, and promptly deal with difficulties and issues under the watch of their respective units and localities. Issues raised at the event must be thoroughly handled, avoiding repetitive discussions.

He affirmed that the province will continue paying attention to the work of female officials and activities to care for their material and spiritual lives, as well as gender equality in various fields.