During the Action Month for Gender Equality and Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence, held annually from November 15 to December 15, local authorities, associations, and organisations in the city have made significant efforts to promote gender equality and prevent and respond to violence within the community.

The Da Nang Women's Union has organised a communication programme titled "Orange Da Nang - Light up and Take Action" to ensure that Da Nang is a safe city free of violence against women and children. Photo: LAM PHUONG

As a key organisation, the Da Nang Women's Union (WU) has been at the forefront of building a safe, violence-free environment for women and children. Every year, the WU prepares a plan for activities to mark the Action Month for Gender Equality and Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence.

Chairwoman of the WU Hoang Thi Thu Huong stated that the 2024 Action Month began with the programme "Orange Da Nang - Light up and Take Action" to promote a safe and violence-free Da Nang for women and children. Following this, various branches of the union organised activities to raise awareness among officials, members, and the public, visit and support women in difficult situations or those vulnerable to violence, and light up “orange” at safe bus stops, the Dragon Bridge, and the headquarters of the WU. Despite efforts to improve gender equality, gender stereotypes and inequality between women and men still persist.

"Communication, education, and raising awareness about gender equality, as well as legal education on gender equality and preventing gender-based violence, are crucial. Mobilising the entire society to proactively implement policies and programmes related to gender equality and violence prevention is key to creating an equal, progressive, and happy living environment," emphasised Ms. Huong.

In local areas, significant attention is being paid to raising awareness and promoting actions on gender equality and violence prevention. Recently, the People's Committee of An Hai Tay Ward in Son Tra District, in collaboration with the Front and various unions and associations, organised communication sessions on gender equality, violence prevention, and the protection of women and children from abuse. These sessions provided knowledge on preventing and responding to gender-based violence, as well as skills for detecting, stopping, and addressing cases of violence in the community.

According to the ward’s People's Committee leadership, over the years, the Party and State have continued to refine the legal framework and policies on equal rights, as reflected in the Marriage and Family Law, the Gender Equality Law, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Control Law. Strengthening awareness of these laws and policies is a practical and effective solution to promote gender equality and prevent violence in the community.

Meanwhile, the People's Committee of An Khe Ward in Thanh Khe District, in cooperation with the Women's Union, has been spreading awareness about gender equality and preventing child sexual abuse for students in local schools. This initiative aims to improve students' understanding of gender equality and enhance their skills in identifying and preventing violence.

Ms Nguyen Cuu Thuy Nha, Chairwoman of the Women's Union in An Khe Ward, stated that in addition to intensifying communication efforts, the union continues to promote the effectiveness of the "Trustworthy Address - Shelter" model at the ward’s People's Committee headquarters. They maintain the operation of 8 trusted addresses and emergency phone numbers to protect women and children facing violence or abuse. The Women's and Children's Legal Consultation Club in An Khe continues to provide legal advice and support for those in need.

Similarly, the Women's Union of Chinh Gian Ward in Thanh Khe District has publicly shared the QR code listing 23 "Shelters – Trustworthy Addresses" in the ward, which have been disseminated to all neighbourhoods. These shelters provide victims of violence or those at risk with a safe place to temporarily shelter, separate from the perpetrator. They also offer access to essential services such as medical care, psychological counselling, and basic legal advice to prevent further violence.

As part of the project to make Da Nang a safe city free of violence against women and girls during the 2022-2024 period, funded by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the city has established 375 trusted addresses in the community. These addresses contribute to supporting victims of domestic violence and reducing the health and safety risks associated with violence.

Reported by LAM PHUONG - Translated by TRUC VY