5.6.2. Non-discrimination policies for transgender

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has officially issued and publicly implemented a series of non-discrimination policies ensuring equal opportunities and dignity for all, including transgender individuals. These commitments are embedded in UEH’s HR policies aligned with the SDGs, its Code of Conduct, and Policy on Protecting Whistleblowers of Discrimination, affirming fairness, equality, and safety for every member of the university community. Besides,, “UEH Culture” serves as the guiding philosophy, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and respect for all gender identities and sexual orientations. Building on these foundations, UEH organized a wide range of communication campaigns and practical initiatives promoting gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, and gender-fair sports, fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all — including transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities.

UEH is deeply committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and valuing diversity through numerous support policies that encourage and recognize the contributions of all marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The university guarantees a discrimination-free workplace, providing equal access and employment opportunities for all officers and employees. These policies apply universally to all members, ensuring fairness and non-discrimination in education and employment for transgender individuals and the wider LGBTQIA+ community.

UEH complies with Law No. 73/2006/QH11 on Gender Equality issued by the Government, under which men and women are treated equally in the workplace in terms of employment, wages, bonuses, social insurance, working conditions, and all other aspects of employment. The university is committed to maintaining a working environment free from sexual harassment and any form of discrimination.

UEH strictly adheres to the provisions of the Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14, particularly Article 8, which stipulates prohibited acts in the field of labor. Accordingly, UEH’s officials and employees are guaranteed that:

+ There is no discrimination in employment.

+ Workers are not mistreated or subjected to forced labor.

+ Sexual harassment in the workplace is strictly prohibited.

+ The name of vocational training shall not be misused for self-interest, exploitation, or coercion of trainees into illegal activities.

+ Untrained labor or those without a national occupational skills certificate are not employed in occupations requiring such qualifications.

+ No deceitful recruitment practices such as false advertising, coercion, or trafficking are tolerated for the purposes of exploitation, forced labor, or illegal activities related to employment or overseas work.

+ The employment of minors in violation of legal regulations is strictly forbidden.

UEH actively attracts both domestic and international talent, such as: experts, scientists, and lecturers,  contributing to a multidisciplinary and sustainable education system. Salaries are significantly higher than the regional minimum wage and are adjusted equitably based on qualifications, experience, and position, ensuring workplace equality without any gender or sexual orientation bias. Additionally, UEH provides housing support policies such as UEH Hotel benefits, dormitory accommodation, and housing subsidies (e.g., 1,500,000 VND/month at UEH Vinh Long Campus).

UEH creates a diverse, equitable, and discrimination-free working environment with equal opportunities for all staff and employees.

Additionally, UEH has established its Code of Conduct for Staff and Learners and a Policy on Protecting Whistleblowers of Discrimination as internal legal mechanisms to enforce non-discrimination principles.

+ The UEH Code of Conduct (Clause 3 and 6, Article 7) explicitly stipulates: “Respect the principle of non-discrimination based on race, gender, class, belief, religion, or disability” and “Do not harass others under any circumstance.”

+ The Student Code of Conduct (issued in 2017) reinforces respect, fairness, and equality across the learning and living environment.

+ The Whistleblower Protection Policy ensures that any individual reporting discrimination — whether staff, faculty, or student — is protected from retaliation and that their rights are upheld in accordance with human rights and governance and gender principles.

To operationalize these commitments, UEH issued:

+ Regulation on Receiving and Resolving Complaints and Denunciations (Decision No. 2410/QD-DHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025,

+ Complaint Resolution Procedure (Decision No. 2617/QD-DHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025);

+ Denunciation Resolution Procedure (Decision No. 2616/QD-DHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025).

These documents, grounded in the Law on Complaints (2011) and Law on Denunciations (2018), guarantee lawful, transparent, and fair treatment for all parties. Moreover, UEH also issued Regulations on Academic Integrity in Scientific and Technological activities at UEH, ensuring transparency and accountability in research, allowing individuals to report violations without fear, reinforcing integrity and human dignity.

In all regulations and policies issued, UEH clearly stipulates the following principles:

+ Confidentiality: UEH is committed to protecting the identity, address, and personal information of complainants and whistleblowers. Whistleblowers are fully protected, and their rights and benefits remain unaffected.
The identity and personal information of whistleblowers are kept strictly confidential.

+ Transparency and fairness: All procedures are conducted in compliance with legal regulations, under supervision to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of all involved parties.

+ Proper authority: Depending on the subject (student or staff member) and the nature of the case, complaints or denunciations are directed to the appropriate functional unit for resolution.

In parallel with official policy documents, UEH has developed and published the “UEH Culture” (2017), applicable to all students, lecturers, staff, and employees, serving as a compass for behavior and standards of conduct within the entire UEH community. This culture emphasizes:

+ Respecting diversity and individual differences in learning, work, and daily life, without discrimination. 

+ Promoting fairness and inclusiveness: every UEH member—regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, belief, or social background—is given equal opportunities for development.

+ Not tolerating any form of discrimination or harassment; instead, encouraging the creation of a safe and respectful academic and working environment.

The integration of “UEH Culture” with the Code of Conduct and Human Resource and Anti-Discrimination Policy forms a comprehensive policy ecosystem, combining both legal foundations (policy & code of conduct) and cultural values (culture). This mechanism ensures that all members, including transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals, are protected and treated fairly in all UEH activities.

UEH continues its commitment to safeguarding whistleblowers’ rights and maintaining a transparent, just, and inclusive academic environment where all forms of discrimination are promptly addressed

These policies are publicly available on the UEH Portal, ensuring transparency and equal access for all members. They are jointly implemented by the Human Resources and Organisation Development Department), the Department of Student Affairs, the Department of Training, in coordination with relevant functional units such as the Department of Research – Development and Global Engagement, and the Department of Communications and Partnerships. Together, these units ensure effective mechanisms for feedback, protection, and violation handling. At the same time, UEH has enhanced its support services and feedback channels. Since May 2024, the university has diversified methods for receiving and processing support requests, helping standardize procedures and ensure clarity. These mechanisms have been institutionalized, digitized, and made transparent for students, staff, and employees, improving accessibility, traceability, and responsiveness.

On this policy foundation, UEH has implemented multiple programs and communication campaigns to raise awareness about gender equality, prevent sexual harassment, and promote gender parity in sports. These initiatives also extend protection to all victims, not limited to women. Together, they reinforce the message that UEH is a safe, diverse, and inclusive academic environment that encourages equal participation for all learners, including the LGBTQIA+ community, concretizing the commitment in 2024:

+ Awareness campaign “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.

+ Awareness campaign “Run Ahead of the Darkness: Learning How to Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment” – A multi-channel campaign and E-newsletter distributed to students, lecturers, staff, and employees. It provides knowledge on recognizing, preventing, and protecting oneself from sexual harassment in both academic and professional environments, as well as relevant legal knowledge, self-protection skills, and reporting channels.

+ Awareness campaign “Online Sexual Harassment: Real Damage in Cyberspace” – A multi-channel campaign and E-newsletter aimed at helping students, lecturers, staff, and employees identify forms of sexual harassment in digital spaces and choose appropriate solutions when facing such situations.

+ Awareness campaign “Gender Equality in Understanding Sexual Harassment: Victims Are Not Only Women” – A multi-channel campaign and E-newsletter for students and the community to change perceptions, highlighting that victims of sexual harassment, regardless of gender or age, deserve understanding, empathy, and protection. This campaign affirms inclusiveness and recognizes the existence and rights of diverse gender groups, including transgender individuals.

+ EqualVoice 2024 Contest – Promoting Gender Equality: “Breaking Barriers, Building a Fair and Equal World for All Genders”. The first round, held online at http://tracnghiemonline.youth.ueh.edu.vn, attracted over 1,600 students. The contest spread awareness about gender equality and helped students eliminate gender biases in both academic and everyday life.

+ Talkshow “Sexual Harassment – Stay Silent or Speak Up?” An open and in-depth discussion platform addressing topics such as “sexuality,” “sexual harassment,” and “laws related to sexual offenses and harassment.” Experts in sociology, sexology, and law provided insights to equip students with practical knowledge and self-protection skills. The talkshow encouraged victims, regardless of gender, to speak up, while offering counseling, Q&A sessions, and access to reporting and protection channels.

Speakers shared their insights with UEH students at the talkshow “Sexual Harassment – Stay Silent or Speak Up”

The 2024 UEH Sports, UEH League 2024 and the communication campaign Gender Equality in Sports, encouraged all individuals, regardless of gender, to participate in sports, break barriers, challenge stereotypes, balance opportunities, and empower athletes of all genders.

Sports events at UEH with sports for both genders

The entire UEH community continues to promote a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) — removing barriers, breaking stereotypes, and honoring the abilities of all individuals. The emphasis on DEI and the inclusion of minority community groups reflect a progressive mindset toward gender equality, while building a cultural foundation that recognizes and respects gender and identity diversity, including transgender individuals.

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. November 20, 2019 – Vietnam labour code 2019 – https://vietanlaw.com/vietnam-labour-code-2019/  

3. 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 

4. November 2, 2020 – Regulations on code of conduct for learners at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/quy-dinh-quy-trinh-huong-dan/quy-dinh/quy-dinh-ve-quy-tac-ung-xu-cua-nguoi-hoc-tai-truong-dai-hoc-kinh-te-tp-ho-chi-minh-ueh/ 

5. September 3, 2024 – UEH Discrimination Whistleblower Protection Policy: Ensuring Equity in Education and Employment – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/chinh-sach-bao-ve-nguoi-to-cao-phan-biet-doi-xu-tai-ueh-dam-bao-cong-bang-trong-giao-duc-va-viec-lam/ 

6. Regulation on Receiving and Resolving Complaints and Denunciations (Decision No. 2410/QĐ-ĐHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025) – https://drive.google.com/file/d/13hEguAcYld6-zaElZRADFrxrrWHCccWq/view 

7. Complaint Resolution Procedure (Decision No. 2617/QĐ-ĐHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025) – https://drive.google.com/file/d/13hEguAcYld6-zaElZRADFrxrrWHCccWq/view 

8. Denunciation Resolution Procedure (Decision No. 2616/QĐ-ĐHKT-BDCLKSNB, July 31, 2025) – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e2ZkRqYKf14S5kTFw3TYXeGnlbvAkuNm/view 

9. October 21, 2024 – Regulations on Academic Integrity in Scientific and Technological activities at UEH – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/research/policies/regulations-on-academic-integrity-in-scientific-and-technological-activities-at-ueh-72673 

10. UEH Culture – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/about-us/ueh-culture 

11. May 13, 2024 – Improving service quality for students, staff, employees, and partners: UEH deploys diverse forms of receiving and processing support requests – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/nang-cao-chat-luong-phuc-vu-nguoi-hoc-vien-chuc-nguoi-lao-dong-doi-tac-ueh-trien-khai-da-dang-cac-hinh-thuc-tiep-nhan-va-xu-ly-yeu-cau-ho-tro-71811?app=true&app=true&utm_source=chatgpt.com 

12. 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

13.July 15, 2024 – Article: “Run Ahead of the Darkness: Learning How to Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/chay-len-truoc-bong-toi-hoc-cach-ba o-ve-ban-than-truoc-quay-roi-tinh-duc-72106 

14. June 26, 2024 – Article: “Online Sexual Harassment: Real Damage in Cyberspace” – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/quay-roi-tinh-duc-qua-mang-ton-thuong-that-tren-khong-gian-ao-72017

15. May 29, 2024 – Article: “Gender Equality in Understanding Sexual Harassment: Victims Are Not Only Women” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cong-bang-gioi-trong-nhan-thuc-ve-quay-roi-tinh-duc-khi-nan-nhan-khong-chi-co-nu-gioi-74220 

16. 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 

17. November 26, 2024 – Talkshow: “Sexual Harassment: Silence or Speak Up?” – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/sexual-harassment-silence-or-speak-up/ 

18. 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 

19. May 17, 2024 – UEH Sports Awards 2024 – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-sports-awards-2024/ 

20. 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 

21. November 11, 201 – Law No. 02/2011/QH13 of November 11, 2011, on Complaints, Viet Nam – https://www.economica.vn/Content/files/LAW%20%26%20REG/Law%20on%20Denunciation%202018.pdf 

22. June 12, 2018 – Law on denunciation – https://www.economica.vn/Content/files/LAW%20%26%20REG/Law%20on%20Denunciation%202018.pdf