With orange as its central colour, over the years, the Women’s Union of Da Nang has launched numerous programmes, activities, and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence. This movement has generated a ripple effect, rallying community support towards creating a safe and welcoming environment for women and children.

Da Nang’s Police officers conduct outreach and training on intervention and mediation methods for cases of local violence, specifically targeting members of clubs dedicated to preventing violence against women and children. Photo: X.D

On Viet Nam Family Day (June 28 ) and during the Action Month for Gender Equality and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (November 15 - December 15), various city-level Women’s Union chapters organise awareness-raising activities to enhance skills in preventing and responding to violence and abuse against women and children. The “Orange - Light up and Take Action” event series has become a hallmark of the city’s Women’s Union, held annually during the Action Month, with a range of impactful community activities. As part of this series, the Dragon Bridge and the Women’s Union building are illuminated in orange each night from November 15 to December 15, creating a visual message for the city.

Additionally, Women’s Union chapters conduct orange-themed awareness activities in various forms, including bike parades, walking events, safe bus stops, training sessions, and the unveiling of safe bus shelters. “The colour orange is consistently used throughout our events during the Action Month to deliver a strong message to eliminate violence and build a safe city for women and children,” shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha Thu, Head of Propaganda and Legal Policy at the Da Nang’s Women’s Union.

Beyond municipal policies supporting gender equality, Women’s Union chapters have persistently organised awareness campaigns and training sessions to equip members with knowledge and skills for violence prevention. Numerous initiatives have been created to empower members, helping them enhance their self-protection skills and proactively seek help to avoid violence. Prominent programmes include “Orange – Speak Up When You Need,” “Safe Bus Rides to School,” “Rapid Response Teams,” and clubs such as “Share and Care” and “Men’s Groups Against Violence Towards Women and Girls.”

Mr. Nguyen Cong Cuong from Hoa Thuan Dong Ward (Hai Chau District) stated, “The Women’s Union’s outreach and training have significantly influenced men’s perceptions and actions regarding gender-based violence prevention. Increasingly, men are participating in family violence prevention clubs and community groups, contributing to a safe, equal, and civilised environment.”

In addition to tackling gender-based violence against women and children, domestic violence prevention remains a focal point. Da Nang’s Women’s Union actively collaborates with local authorities to conduct awareness campaigns and establish safe shelters and reconciliation groups in residential areas. Currently, there are nearly 400 safe shelters throughout the city, providing emergency protection for victims of gender-based violence.

According to Mr. Pham Tien Thanh, Vice Chairman of Hoa Minh Ward People's Committee, since 2022, the ward has implemented a model of safe shelters, offering protection, health and psychological support, and intervention services for victims of violence. This initiative has led to a decrease in violent incidents over the years, with no severe cases reported. In addition, local authorities consistently promote adherence to laws on domestic violence prevention and develop a network of mediators to respond promptly in cases of family violence.

Through these relentless efforts, the Women’s Union has helped make Da Nang the second city in Viet Nam to be recognised by UN Women as a participant in the global “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces” initiative. This highlights the Union's pioneering role in advocating for happiness and equality and demonstrates Da Nang’s commitment to becoming a safe, violence-free city for women and children.

Ms. Luong Thi Dao, Vice President of Da Nang Women’s Union, emphasised that the Union will continue to lead, closely cooperate with relevant agencies, and work with UN Women to implement activities under this global initiative. The Union aims to build on its achievements, implementing a comprehensive approach in line with Directive No. 39-CT/TU on developing a safe, violence-free city for women and children and the city’s Project 1006 in response to this directive. Additionally, it will intensify awareness-raising efforts, creating opportunities for women to participate equally in all aspects of social life, thus contributing to narrowing the gender gap.

Reporting by THIEN DUYEN - Translating by TRUC VY