Vietnamese President To Lam has called on female members of the National Assembly to strengthen their role in lawmaking, policymaking and public oversight. The message was delivered during a meeting with women deputies in Hanoi on October 29 and was included in a national news summary published the following morning. The meeting focused on the contribution women can make to national development and the importance of meaningful gender equality.
The president encouraged female lawmakers to take an active part in shaping policies and monitoring how decisions are carried out. Their responsibilities include reviewing legislation, representing voters and helping ensure that government programmes respond to the needs of different communities. Strong participation in these areas can help bring a wider range of experiences into national decision-making.
According to information presented at the meeting, the 16th National Assembly has 150 female deputies, representing 30% of its membership. Their presence gives women a significant role in the country’s legislative process. However, representation alone does not guarantee equal influence, and lawmakers must also have opportunities to contribute to debates, lead committees and take part in important policy decisions.
The discussion also highlighted the relationship between gender equality and national development. Women participate in many parts of the economy and society, including education, healthcare, business, public administration and community work. Ensuring that their experiences are reflected in policy can help governments identify problems that may otherwise receive less attention.
Female lawmakers can also contribute to discussions about employment, family welfare, education and access to public services. These subjects affect people across the country, but their impact can differ depending on income, location and family responsibilities. Policies that recognise these differences may be more effective in reaching communities and improving daily life.
The president’s remarks placed responsibility on deputies to make their participation meaningful. This includes studying legislation carefully, listening to voters and checking whether government commitments are being implemented. Public oversight is important because it allows lawmakers to examine results rather than relying only on policy announcements.
The meeting also reflects Vietnam’s broader efforts to strengthen women’s participation in public life. Increasing the number of women in decision-making positions can support a more inclusive political system, but progress also depends on professional opportunities, leadership development and fair access to responsibilities.
The contribution of female deputies will be measured by the quality of their work and the impact of the policies they help shape. Greater participation in legislation and oversight can improve public representation and strengthen accountability. The meeting in Hanoi highlighted the importance of turning representation into active influence as Vietnam continues its national development plans.
