STEM Education: Opportunities for women's mastery of science and technology

Women's access to and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will create more opportunities for them to equally benefit from advances in science and technology while protecting themselves from the challenges of the 4.0 technology era.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski made the statement at an international forum on "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" held in Hanoi today [March 29].

At present, the concept of society on a digital platform is very familiar to people, but he said there are also negative discussions and comments.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski makes a speech at the forum. Photo: The Vietnam Women's Union

Therefore, in terms of gender equality, it is necessary to pay attention and come up with practical management measures to bring out the best in women and girls, the Ambassador emphasized.

Technology and digital solutions are becoming an integral part of everyday life. However, gender stereotypes continue to hinder women's access to technology and digital solutions, and the percentage of women leaders in the digital sector is still low.

For her part, Vietnam Women's Union President Ha Thi Nga said science, technology, and innovation play a crucial role in improving any country's labor productivity, competitiveness, and socioeconomic development.

"Moreover, gender equality in science and technology will help promote the strengths of men and women, as well as the country's great human resource potential," Nga stressed.

She pointed out that 90% of the victims of online fraud are women. "Love flirtation, then money scams, prostitution seduction, and human trafficking are the most popular tricks to scam women online. Educating women and girls with safety skills in cyberspace is, therefore, an issue that needs to be focused on," Nga said.

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Ha Thi Nga talks at the forum.

"For many decades, Vietnam has been persistent in its goals of sustainable development, science and technology development, digital transformation, and policies for promoting women scientists," she said.

She added that the National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with a vision to 2030 and the Law on Gender Equality has created a favorable legal corridor for female intellectuals, experts, and scientists to continue to pursue their passions, conduct scientific research and contribute to the country's sustainable development," the union leader added.

Delegates expressed their commitment to working for cybersecurity and gender equality in STEM at the forum hosted by the Vietnam Women's Union and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

While calling for joint efforts to promote gender equality and encourage women to master STEM and cyberspace, the event participants also proposed a series of initiatives to promote women's participation in STEM and ensure a safe cyber environment for women and girls.

The forum was a continuation of international events jointly organized by the Vietnam Women's Union and UN Women over the years as part of the cooperation framework agreement between the two sides for 2022-2026.

The event also aimed to respond to the theme "Digital for All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality," launched by the UN as part of International Women's Day on March 8.

It was a practical activity that contributed to the country's sustainable development in the spirit of "leaving no woman behind" in the age of digital technology.