Log in
Social Affairs

Hanoi’s gender imbalance still worrisome

Gender imbalance at birth will adversely affect population structure in the future, which leads to male surplus in society.

In the first six months of 2019, the gender gap at birth in Hanoi decreased year-on-year and reached the target, but boys outnumber girls.

According to the Hanoi Department of Population and Family Planning, the city set the goal for 2019 of achieving the gender ratio at birth of 113 boys/100 girls. After the first six months, Hanoi's gender ratio at birth is 112.8 boys/100 girls, which is better than the target (113.5 boys/100 girls in 2018 and 114.5 boys/100 girls in 2017).
 
Vietnam's gender imbalance worsens. Photo: Le Phuong
Vietnam's gender imbalance worsens. Photo: Le Phuong
Ta Quang Huy, head of the Hanoi Department of Population and Family Planning, said that the city's success in reducing the gender imbalance at birth is thanks to many solutions applied in 30 districts and towns, such as reducing the third child birth, prohibiting gender selection for the fetus, upholding the role of women in family and society, praising couples who give birth to daughters, among others.

However, in some rural districts such as Soc Son, Quoc Oai, My Duc, the boy-to-girl ratio is still high. Soc Son district recorded the gender ratio at birth of 120 boys for every 100 girls, while the ratio in Quoc Oai and My Duc districts is 115/100. 

According to the World Health Organization, natural “sex ratio at birth” is often considered to be around 105 or 105 males for every 100 females. If the number of males exceeds 105, there will be serious social consequences in the long run.

According to General Office for Population and Family Planning (GOPFP) under the Ministry of Health, Vietnam’s gender imbalance tends to be worse. 

In 2018, the sex ratio at birth was 115.1 boys/100 girls, representing an increase of 3% compared to 2017 and failing to reach the target of reducing the ratio to 112.8 boys/100 girls. 
 
Vietnamese people traditionally favor boys over girls. Many believe that only sons could be responsible for worshiping their ancestors and maintaining the lineage. This is the gender prejudice and the underlying cause for sex imbalance at birth, according to population experts.

Besides, since the introduction of ultrasound technology to identify the baby’s gender, the sex imbalance increases. Many people are willing to abort when they know that the fetus is a girl.

Gender imbalance at birth will adversely affect population structure in the future, which leads to male surplus in society. Without timely interventions, it is estimated that by 2050, from around two to 4.3 million men will remain without wives. In the long term, serious consequences such as a shortage of women will increase pressure on early marriage for girls or give way to prostitution and trafficking of women.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Hanoi's health sector leverages high-tech for world-class standards

Hanoi's health sector leverages high-tech for world-class standards

Hanoi’s health sector, equipped with advanced technologies, digitally transforms management and develops smart healthcare models to meet increasing demand.

Hanoi targets smart government platform

Hanoi targets smart government platform

Hanoi is making fundamental changes in the method of handling administrative procedures.

Vietnam moves up the World Happiness Report 2025 rankings

Vietnam moves up the World Happiness Report 2025 rankings

The 2025 World Happiness Report is a joint effort by some of the world’s leading experts and researchers in well-being science.

Vietnam’s ministry revamps AI strategy to enhance public sector efficiency

Vietnam’s ministry revamps AI strategy to enhance public sector efficiency

Vietnam needs to adopt AI selectively, practically, and in line with actual conditions and specific needs in the public sector.

Hanoi trains Vientiane's vocational instructors

Hanoi trains Vientiane's vocational instructors

Five teachers from Vientiane, Laos will participate in a two-month training course in Hanoi to learn valuable experiences in vocational education.

Hanoi meets poverty reduction target ahead of schedule

Hanoi meets poverty reduction target ahead of schedule

Hanoi has implemented different programs aiming to spur socio-economic development in underdeveloped rural and mountainous areas.

To Lich river cleanup in full swing. But is it enough?

To Lich river cleanup in full swing. But is it enough?

To restore the To Lich River, one of Hanoi’s iconic waterways, the city needs more than just dredging mud and collecting waste.

Hanoi to develop comprehensive social security system

Hanoi to develop comprehensive social security system

The city has over 203,000 beneficiaries of monthly social subsidies, which are paid in a timely and transparent manner.