A "Song Writing Contest" on gender equality launched by UN Women this week received strong backing from many musicians and artists in Hanoi. The most prominent among them are Meritorious Artist Chieu Xuan - the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund in Vietnam, and Artist Tran Tuan Hung - leader of the famous rock band "Buc Tuong" (Wall). 

Meritorious Artist Chieu Xuan, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund in Vietnam, participates in the contest launching ceremony. Photos: UN Women Vietnam

In a groundbreaking initiative, UN Women Vietnam has partnered with the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Communication under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to launch a "Song Writing Contest" aimed at promoting gender equality in the country and amplifying the message of equality, respect and the realization of dreams regardless of gender.

Artist Tran Tuan Hung, leader of the Buc Tuong band, shared that his band has participated in many programs related to gender equality activities that aim to narrow the gap and bring people closer to each other.

"The launch of the Song Writing Contest on this topic is exactly what I expected. I hope that the contest will attract many talented writers and the compositions from the contest will have a life in society and be widely spread, especially among young people," Hung said.

Artist Tran Tuan Hung, leader of the Buc Tuong rock band, joins the launching ceremony.

Speaking at the launch of the contest, Vu Minh Ly, Deputy Director of the Center for Communication of Natural Resources and Environment, said the contest aims to inspire and engage all Vietnamese citizens, both at home and abroad, as well as foreigners living, working, and studying in Vietnam.

"Participants are encouraged to compose songs that envision a sustainable and equitable future where every individual, regardless of gender, is treated with respect and empowered to pursue their aspirations without the constraints of stereotypes or barriers," Ly said.

For her part, Caroline Nyamayemombe, Head of UN Women Vietnam, emphasized the unique power of music to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. 

Caroline Nyamayemombe, Head of UN Women Vietnam, addresses the launching ceremony.

"Music has a remarkable ability to bridge divides and connect our hearts in ways that ordinary language cannot. This contest serves as a platform for artists, musicians, and storytellers to use their creativity and talent in pursuit of a more inclusive and just society," she said.

To be eligible for the competition, entries must be original compositions that have not previously been submitted to other creative contests and must be free of any copyright or authorship disputes. The organizing committee will accept entries from October 5 through November 16 at 5:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for late November.

The Song Writing Contest coincides with the celebration of Vietnam's Women's Day on October 20 and aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10.