Women play key role in building united, resilient, sustainable ASEAN Community
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (11th from left), Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions, heads of United Nations agencies and international organisations in Vietnam, leaders of central ministries and agencies, and representatives of the Vietnam Women's Union attend the programme.
Hosted by the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), the 22nd ACWO General Assembly marked another milestone in ACWO’s cooperation and development, allowing ASEAN women’s organisations to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust, share experience and identify cooperation priorities for the region’s next stage of development.
The 22nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organisations (ACWO) convened in Hanoi on November 4.
Attending the opening session were Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly; Ms. Le Thi Thuy, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Women's Union and ACWO President for the 2025–2026 term; representatives of central ministries, agencies, diplomatic missions and international organisations; and nearly 100 delegates representing national women's organisations that are members of ACWO.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (right), member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, and Ms. Le Thi Thuy, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Women's Union and ACWO President for the 2025–2026 term, attend the 2026 ACWO General Assembly.
Established in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 20, 1981, the ASEAN Confederation of Women's Organisations (ACWO) is a regional non-governmental organisation that brings together national women's organisations across ASEAN. Its mission is to foster solidarity, promote equal participation and meaningful contributions, and ensure that women receive their rightful share of the benefits of socio-economic development in their respective countries and across the region.
ACWO currently has 11 members, representing the national women's organisations of all 11 ASEAN countries. The Timor-Leste Women's Network became its 11th member at a meeting of the ACWO leadership on the morning of November 4, 2026.
The 2026 ACWO General Assembly features a flag procession, a cultural performance and discussions on the confederation's activities. One of its highlights is a thematic session on "Safety for Women and Children in the Context of Digital Transformation", where ASEAN countries shared experience, initiatives and solutions to strengthen digital capabilities and prevent risks and challenges facing women and children online.
Delegates from ASEAN countries attend the 2026 ACWO General Assembly.
The assembly will also host the handover of the ACWO presidency for the 2027–2028 term from the Vietnam Women's Union to the Indonesian Council of Women's Organisations (KOWANI). The ceremony marks the conclusion of Vietnam's rotating presidency for 2025–2026 and reflects the solidarity, continuity and shared responsibility among member organisations in promoting cooperation for the advancement of women across ASEAN.
Representatives of member organisations carry the flags of the 11 ASEAN countries, the ASEAN flag and the ACWO flag. Accompanied by "The ASEAN Way", the procession symbolises solidarity and a shared commitment to promoting women's equal participation in regional development.
Leaders representing national women's organisations that are members of ACWO.
Promoting cooperation and advancing the standing of ASEAN women
Addressing the opening session of the 22nd ACWO General Assembly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, said the event provided an opportunity for women's organisations across the region to meet, exchange experience, strengthen solidarity and friendship, and advance shared goals for women's progress and the sustainable development of the ASEAN Community.
She praised the Vietnam Women's Union for its proactive approach and responsible efforts in hosting and preparing for the assembly, while recognising the positive contributions of member organisations to regional cooperation and the advancement of women's standing across ASEAN.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, speaks at the 22nd ACWO General Assembly.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh said: "The Party and State of Vietnam have consistently placed importance on promoting gender equality, ensuring women's rights and advancing their role in the country's construction and development. The legal and policy framework for gender equality and the protection of women and children has been gradually strengthened. Vietnamese women continue to demonstrate their resilience and intelligence, making important contributions across various fields.
The National Assembly of Vietnam has consistently focused on improving institutions, policies and legislation, and strengthening oversight to promote gender equality and protect the legitimate rights and interests of women and children. It has also passed a number of important laws, including the Law on Digital Technology Industry, the Law on Personal Data Protection and the Law on Artificial Intelligence, helping establish a legal framework for the safe and responsible development and application of technology.
Vietnam also attaches importance to ensuring equal opportunities to access and benefit from the achievements of digital transformation, narrowing the digital divide between men and women and among different regions, particularly for women, children and vulnerable groups. This approach puts people at the centre and ensures that no one is left behind.
Vietnam consistently values the fulfilment of its international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, while proactively cooperating and sharing experience with ASEAN countries and international partners. We hope to work with member states to promote women's meaningful and equal participation in policymaking, leadership and innovation. On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ASEAN women's organisations and international partners for their cooperation and support in advancing gender equality and women's progress".
Delegates attend the 2026 ACWO General Assembly.
Enabling women to actively shape the digital future
In her opening remarks, Ms. Le Thi Thuy, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Women's Union and ACWO President for the 2025–2026 term, said that over more than 45 years since its establishment in 1981, ACWO had affirmed its role as an important forum connecting women's organisations across the region. It had helped promote gender equality, empower women and contribute positively to the building of the ASEAN Community.
Despite differences in history, culture, language and development conditions, ACWO's member organisations share a common goal: advancing women's progress and protecting the legitimate interests of women and children, while contributing to a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable ASEAN.
In Vietnam, the Party and State have consistently pursued gender equality and sought to promote women's roles, potential and creativity in building, defending and developing the country.
Throughout nearly a century of development, the Vietnam Women's Union has linked the women's movement with the country's political priorities while proactively expanding international friendship and cooperation. It has also made positive contributions to shared efforts for peace, equality and development.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Women's Union and ACWO President for the 2025–2026 term, delivers the opening remarks.
Since officially joining ACWO in 1996, the Vietnam Women's Union has spent 30 years as an active and responsible member, working alongside women's organisations across ASEAN in regional cooperation activities. The 22nd General Assembly also marks the second time the Vietnam Women's Union has held the confederation's rotating presidency. This is both an honour and a reflection of Vietnamese women's responsibility and commitment to promoting cooperation and contributing to the development of ACWO and regional collaboration more broadly.
The 22nd ACWO General Assembly provides an important opportunity for member organisations to review cooperation outcomes, share experience and effective practices, strengthen friendship and mutual trust, and identify priorities for the next phase. It also marks a new stage in the confederation's development with the admission of the Timor-Leste Women's Network as its 11th member, further strengthening solidarity and cooperation among women's organisations across the ASEAN Community.
At the assembly, the Vietnam Women's Union handed over the rotating presidency to the Indonesian Council of Women's Organisations (KOWANI).
"The Vietnam Women's Union is committed to continuing its close cooperation with the Indonesian Council of Women's Organisations and other member organisations, building on achievements and ensuring continuity, consistency and effectiveness in ACWO's activities in the coming period," President of the VWU Le Thi Thuy said.
