For nearly 50 years of establishment and development, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has consistently fostered a positive mindset toward gender equality and implemented key strategies to empower women and promote equal opportunities. The university has established policies and procedures to ensure that all individuals feel safe to report any discrimination, harassment, or inequality in education and employment, particularly in matters concerning gender parity, including:
+ UEH complies with Law No. 73/2006/QH11 on Gender Equality, which stipulates that both men and women must be treated equally in the workplace regarding employment, pay, bonuses, social insurance, working conditions, and other circumstances. The university is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory and harassment-free work environment in all forms.
+ According to Clause 3 and Clause 6, Article 7 of UEH’s Code of Conduct, members of the university must “respect the principle of non-discrimination based on race, gender, class, belief, religion, or disability” and “not harass others in any circumstances.”
UEH’s Code of Conduct
In addition, UEH strictly adheres to Article 8 of the Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14, which prohibits discriminatory acts in employment. As a result, all UEH officials and employees are guaranteed workplace equality and equal access to opportunities.
Based on the 2024 survey results assessing the progress of women and gender equality according to Decision No. 383/QĐ-BGDĐT by the Ministry of Education and Training Vietnam, UEH has exceeded multiple national targets, including:
+ The proportion of female officials and employees in leadership and management positions receiving training to enhance capacity reached nearly 20% higher than the Ministry’s goal of 75%, ensuring equal participation and effective contribution of women in governance and decision-making.
+ The share of female master’s degree holders among all staff with master’s qualifications reached 52.6% (exceeding the 50% target).
+ The ratio of female PhD holders among total PhD staff increased from 38.3% to 38.5%, with strong institutional support for female lecturers and researchers leading research projects and scientific tasks managed by the Ministry.
In 2024, UEH restructured its organizational model in compliance with the revised 2018 Higher Education Law, appointing 11 women among 31 interim department heads — achieving a female leadership ratio of 35.48%. The university continues to create more opportunities for women’s empowerment, professional development, and social inclusion by offering training to enhance their skills and leadership capacity.
Regarding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, UEH ensures full benefits for female staff under maternity leave policies, including 100% pay and additional income during leave, and an extra hour off per working day for women nursing children under 12 months old, promoting basic living standards, dignity, and well-being for women.
94th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union
Female officials and employees at UEH are always provided with opportunities to develop their professional competencies as well as to participate in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
For the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), gender equality is not limited to research, teaching, or working environments — it is also viewed through the broader framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In the fields of culture, sports, and the arts, UEH strives to remove barriers, break down stereotypes, and celebrate the talents and contributions of women across all areas of university life.
The UEH Awards 2024 Ceremony particularly encouraged and honored the achievements and dedication of female educators and administrators. Many outstanding women made significant contributions and achieved exceptional results across UEH’s three main areas of operation: Teaching, Scientific Research, Management and Services.
At the policy level, specialized units such as the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), the Human Resources and Organisation Development Department, and the Committee for the Advancement of Women UEH have organized various programs and communication campaigns to raise awareness on gender equality, prevent sexual harassment, and promote fair sports activities for all genders. Moreover, UEH has conducted initiatives to protect victims of harassment or violence, not limited only to women, reinforcing the university’s commitment to equal rights, dignity, and social inclusion for everyone.
| Policy / Activity | Scope and Format | Target group | Implementation | Outcomes / Impacts |
| Online communication and outreach activities promoting women’s roles, gender equality, and social values | University-wide, online, community-wide | UEH students and staff, especially female staff and students | – Article: “Do You Really Understand Feminism?” — providing insights into feminism, gender rights, and equality under the law, implemented via multichannel communication and E-news for students and the community.
– Article: “Pink Tax – The Hidden Cost for Women” – raising awareness of the unfair price disparity in gendered products and suggesting practical ways to reduce financial burdens for women. 
– Podcast Series “Promoting Women’s Role in Building a Cultural Family” 
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– Providing knowledge about women’s rights and gender equality in society.
– Increased community awareness of gender-based price disparities and promoted gender equality in consumer behavior. – Collected data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys, covering 151 countries and 180,000 enterprises. – Identified four key findings related to the impact of management experience, managerial practices, and the executive roles of female CEOs. – Proposed 04 policy recommendations for enterprises to encourage women’s leadership and participation as CEOs. – Provided a platform for sharing and disseminating experiences, raising public awareness on gender equality, promoting the concept of progressive families, and creating motivation for women to engage in underrepresented sectors. |
| Practical events and activities promoting gender equality and honoring women’s contributions | Offline activities, local scale | Female leaders, lecturers, students, and staff | – Equal Voice 2024 competition – Promoting Gender Equality
Workshop: “GenZ – GenderFree” – Talkshow: “Sexual Harassment – Stay Silent or Speak Up?”. This in-depth talkshow discussed sexual harassment, related laws, and the concept of consent. The program equipped students with practical knowledge and skills for preventing sexual harassment. Participants were encouraged to speak up as a way of self-protection, and had the chance to share personal stories and receive counseling from experts. 
The project was co-led by University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Can Tho University, with investigators from diverse disciplines such as Law, Sociology, and Biotechnology. 
Overview of the exhibition opening ceremony |
– Attracted over 1,600 students, spreading gender equality values and helping them eliminate gender stereotypes in learning and everyday life.
– Equipped students with useful knowledge on preventing sexual harassment, raising awareness, and encouraging victims (regardless of gender) to speak up. Provided counseling, guidance, and follow-up support channels for students experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment. – Conducted fieldwork and collected data from two study communes. – Nearly 100% of surveyed officials expressed interest in gender equality and supporting vulnerable groups in the development and operation of irrigation works. – Applied 03 participatory discussion methods through interactive group exercises. – Trained and engaged over 100 representatives, including many female leaders and disadvantaged groups, in regional development planning. – The exhibition showcased 30 artworks by prominent Vietnamese female painters, honoring their creativity and contributions while conveying profound emotions and messages through art. |
| Activities to promote physical and mental health for the UEH female community | Offline activities, university-wide scale | – Female students, female lecturers, female staff, and female workers at UEH
– Education community, families, society, and UEH’s external partners |
– Seminar “Modern Women: Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily”
The event attracted the enthusiastic participation of many female staff members, creating a vibrant and positive atmosphere – The 2024 UEH Sports, UEH League 2024 and the communication campaign Gender Equality in Sports. 
Sports events at UEH with sports for both genders – Series of activities celebrating the 114th Anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8):
Female staff and employees underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) checks and medical tests
UEH Union and Women’s Union congratulated, presented flowers and gifts to the units – UEH Ao Dai Week launched by the UEH Union, celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese women in the traditional Ao Dai. 
Female UEH staffs and employees respond to the “UEH Ao Dai Week” |
– The theme “Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily” conveyed messages of balance between work and life, inspiring UEH’s female staff to continue asserting themselves, unleashing their potential, and spreading positive values. This seminar attracted nearly 200 female officials and staff.
– The 2024 UEH Sports attracted 1,200 athletes and over 1,000 audiences from 18 units, including faculties, schools, and dormitories. With determination and dedication, nearly 500 athletes won first, second, and third prizes across five sports categories in both individual and team events. – The series of activities celebrating the 114th International Women’s Day delivered meaningful and practical values—from health screening programs to campaigns honoring the modern beauty of women. |
Comparison of gender equality policies and activities in 2023 and 2024
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | Key Impact in 2024 |
| Policies & Welfare | Publicly implemented non-discriminatory policies in compliance with the Law on Gender Equality and the Labor Code; adopted Codes of Conduct and whistleblower protection; enhanced maternity and welfare benefits. | Fully maintained existing policies; strengthened DEI integration and digitalized feedback channels; recognized and honored female leaders; achieved female representation rates exceeding national benchmarks. | Ensured substantial protection and equitable opportunities; sustainable development for female leaders and staff; expanded inclusion of other vulnerable groups into the policy framework. |
| Communication & Awareness | Multichannel campaigns on women’s rights and equality; organized the EqualVoice competition (>4,700 participants); featured topics on SOGIESC and gender-based violence (GBV) communication. | Broadened to multi-platform, in-depth campaigns: podcast–talkshows on “female entrepreneurship,” spotlighting women CEOs; talkshow “Sexual Harassment – Stay Silent or Speak Up?”
podcasts on women’s social roles; media coverage on gender justice related to sexual harassment. |
Fostered inclusive awareness and multidimensional dialogue; emphasized the right to speak up and encouraged female participation/reporting; expanded sexual harassment communication to all genders. |
| New Themes & Highlights | Focused on gender equality, anti-discrimination, and sexual harassment prevention. | Expanded to include gender equity in sports, sexual harassment in the digital environment, and women’s empowerment in STEM, arts, leadership, and family; GS4Infra project integrated gender perspectives into interdisciplinary technical research. | Broke down stereotypes, diversified gender equality narratives, and empowered women across emerging sectors. |
| Annual/Series Activities | EqualVoice Season 1; standalone events for International Women’s Day (8/3), Vietnamese Women’s Day (20/10), sports festivals, student art competitions, and traditional day celebrations. | UEH League sports event for all genders; recurring talkshows and field workshops; women’s art exhibitions; GS4Infra community outreach for women in diverse sectors; a series of diverse activities for March 8 celebrations. | Continuous engagement, digitalized communication, broader reach; visible outcomes of female leadership and talent; strong community impact. |
Conclusion
UEH has consistently sustained and advanced a robust system of gender equality policies and initiatives that inspire, protect, and empower women in practical and impactful ways. From 2023 to 2024, the level of institutional commitment, inclusiveness (in terms of scope, audience, and fields), and social influence have all expanded significantly. The University’s approach has evolved from ensuring institutional guarantees to implementing sustainable actions that generate meaningful, long-term impacts both within the academic community and across society.
Open related links:
1. Law No. 73/2006/QH11 of the National Assembly: Law on Gender Equality – https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?pageid=27160&docid=28975
2. Department of Student Affairs – Clause 3 and Clause 6, Article 7 of UEH’s Code of Conduct – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/van-hoa-ueh/
3. November 20, 2019 – Vietnam labour code 2019 – https://vietanlaw.com/vietnam-labour-code-2019/
4. January 27, 2025 – The Implementation of Human Resource Policies Linked to the 17 SDGs in terms of Intellectual Contribution to Sustainable Development – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/the-implementation-of-human-resource-policies-linked-to-the-17-sdgs-in-terms-of-intellectual-contribution-to-sustainable-development-73372
5. October 19, 2024 – 94th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hop-mat-ky-niem-94-nam-ngay-thanh-lap-hoi-lien-hiep-phu-nu-viet-nam-72652
6. May 02, 2024 – UEH Awards 2024: Ceremony Honoring Outstanding UEH Individuals and Affiliations – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-awards-2024-ceremony-honoring-outstanding-ueh-individuals-and-affiliations-71773
7. March 07, 2024 – Article: “Do You Really Understand Feminism?” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ban-da-hieu-dung-ve-nu-quyen-71486
8. April 17, 2024 – Article: “Pink Tax – The Hidden Cost for Women” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/pink-tax-an-additional-expense-for-women-71696
9. November 27, 2024 – [Podcast] “Business Innovation in ASEAN Countries: Examining the Impact of Managerial Experience, Practices, and the Role of Female CEOs” – conducted by UEH University – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/chi-tiet-knowlege/podcast-hoat-dong-doi-moi-cua-doanh-nghiep-tai-cac-nuoc-asean-xem-xet-tac-dong-cua-kinh-nghiem-quan-ly-thuc-tien-quan-ly-va-vai-tro-dieu-hanh-cua-nu-ceo/
10. October 27, 2024 – [Podcast] “Promoting the Role of Women in Building a Cultural Family in Ho Chi Minh City – According to Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology (Episode 1)” – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/chi-tiet-knowlege/podcast-phat-huy-vai-tro-cua-phu-nu-o-thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-trong-xay-dung-gia-dinh-van-hoa-theo-tu-tuong-ho-chi-minh-ky-1/
11. October 27, 2024 – [Podcast] “Promoting the Role of Women in Building a Cultural Family in Ho Chi Minh City – According to Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology (Episode 2)” – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/chi-tiet-knowlege/podcast-phat-huy-vai-tro-cua-phu-nu-o-thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-trong-xay-dung-gia-dinh-van-hoa-theo-tu-tuong-ho-chi-minh-ky-2/
12. August 26, 2024 – Equal Voice 2024 competition – Promoting Gender Equality – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cuoc-thi-equalvoice-2024-promoting-gender-equality-xoa-bo-rao-can-xay-dung-the-gioi-cong-bang-va-co-hoi-deu-danh-cho-moi-gioi-tinh-72323
13. November 26, 2024 – Talkshow: “Sexual Harassment: Silence or Speak Up?” – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/sexual-harassment-silence-or-speak-up/
14. October 03, 2024 – UEH introduces the research project “Gender-sensitizing for Design and Operation of Water-Energy-Climate Change Infrastructures in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam – GS4Infra” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-introduces-the-research-project-gender-sensitizing-for-design-and-operation-of-water-energy-climate-change-infrastructures-in-soc-trang-province-mekong-delta-vietnam-gs4infra-72586
15. November 15, 2024 – Art Exhibition: “Art versions of Female artists in the collection of Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts” at UEH – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/art-exhibition-art-versions-of-female-artists-in-the-collection-of-ho-chi-minh-city-museum-of-fine-arts-at-ueh-72985
16. January 28, 2025 – UEH Labor Union: Fostering Community Bonds and Promoting Sustainable Values – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-labor-union-fostering-community-bonds-and-promoting-sustainable-values-73362
17. March 18, 2024 – UEH organizing UEH League – Student Football Tournament for the first time – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-organizing-ueh-league-student-football-tournament-for-the-first-time-71528
18. May 17, 2024 – UEH Sports Awards 2024 – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-sports-awards-2024/
19. February 28, 2024 – Gender equity in sport: A fair playground for all? – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/gender-equity-in-sport-a-fair-playground-for-all-71450
20. March 08, 2024 – Series of activities celebrating the 114th Anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8) – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/chuoi-hoat-dong-chao-mung-ky-niem-114-nam-ngay-quoc-te-phu-nu-8-3-71490
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