The 8th Vietnam-Korea Women’s Forum opened virtually in Hanoi on July 21, focusing on promoting digital technology towards sustainable development.

The event was part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea in 2022, as well as contributing to the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Women's Union (VWU) and the Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI).

Vice Chairwoman of the VWU Tran Thi Huong speaks at the forum. Photo: Ngu Binh

Speaking at the forum, Vice Chairwoman of the VWU Tran Thi Huong said that this year's forum touches on a very topical issue: the ordeal that women are facing amid the Covid-19 pandemic: "Women in the digital world”.

"This year's forum is a good opportunity for us to share, learn from each other, and explore cooperation opportunities between Vietnamese and South Korean partners," Huong said.

She added that over the past years, the number of Vietnamese women living, studying, and working in South Korea has increased steadily; the study and exchange of culture between the two countries has become indispensable.

The forum is an opportunity for local authorities and organizations of the two countries to expand cooperation for the development of women and sustainable development of the two peoples, she stressed.

Chairwoman of the KWDI Moon Yu Kyung said that over the past time, the forum has conducted lively discussions on outstanding issues of gender equality, including strategies to promote gender mainstreaming and strengthen the role of women.

Chairwoman of the KWDI Moon Yu Kyung addresses the forum from Seoul. Photo: Ngu Binh

The participants also discussed the impact of digital technology on women's participation in economic activities in South Korea and Vietnam, and find solutions to improve the issue in the time ahead.

"Advanced digital technology is rapidly entering the labor market. Digital technology creates new jobs and contributes to improving working conditions for women. However, digital transformation also creates concerns about job polarization," Moon Yu Kyung said.

She expressed her hope that through this forum, women will find out solutions to ensure that digital transformation can be actively applied in their participation in economic activities.

Moon Yu Kyung appreciated the effectiveness of gender equality work after each forum. In order to successfully build an equal society, the role of policy advisory for women is very important in building a broad network of links with agencies related to women's policies in countries around the world, she stressed.

Moon Yu Kyung also affirmed that, in the coming time, the South Korean institute will keep promoting cooperative activities with the VWU to connect women's agencies and departments in all fields for a better future for women in both countries.