Speaking at the 14th National Women’s Congress, National Assembly Man emphasised that women should not only engaged in national development but also play a leading role in shaping the country’s future.

According to him, Vietnamese women have made significant contributions throughout the nation’s history and during the country’s modernisation and international integration process. Their role has become increasingly visible across economic development, family building, public administration and international cooperation.

However, he stressed that the demands of the new development phase require more than participation alone.

“Women must truly become one of the key architects of the nation’s future development,” he said.

As Vietnam seeks to create new growth drivers based on innovation, science, technology and digital transformation, the focus is shifting from providing opportunities for women to participate toward strengthening their capacity to lead, create and contribute directly to economic growth.

To achieve this goal, the top legislator called on the Vietnam Women’s Union to place greater emphasis on improving women’s education, professional qualifications, digital literacy, foreign-language proficiency and lifelong learning opportunities.

He noted that in an era of rapid digital transformation, these skills are no longer optional but essential for women to participate more deeply in high-quality employment, the digital economy and innovation-driven sectors.

The National Assembly Chairman also stressed the importance of inclusive development, urging the Vietnam Women’s Union to pay greater attention to rural women, ethnic minority women and vulnerable groups to ensure that no one is left behind.

Beyond their economic contributions, women are also expected to continue playing a central role in building strong families and sustainable communities.

Amid rapid social changes and the growing influence of digital technologies, he said promoting prosperous, progressive and happy families remains an important mission.

The National Assembly leader also called for a shift in how the effectiveness of women’s organisations is measured.

“The results of the Vietnam Women’s Union’s activities should be measured by women’s satisfaction and the quality of life of women and children,” he stated.

This, he noted, requires a transition from campaign-based activities toward more practical support that directly addresses women’s daily needs.

In addition to mobilising and connecting members, the Vietnam Women’s Union should actively participate in policymaking, monitor the implementation of policies related to women and gender equality, and serve as a reliable support network for women facing violence, discrimination or other vulnerabilities.

Another priority highlighted by the National Assembly Chairman is the development of a new generation of confident, innovative and globally connected Vietnamese women.

He encouraged the Vietnam Women’s Union to expand digital platforms, learning communities, professional mentoring networks, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation initiatives, while creating more opportunities for young women to engage in public affairs, science and technology.

These expectations build on the achievements recorded by women’s organisations during the previous term. Yet in the years ahead, the challenge will be not only to sustain existing movements but also to create conditions that enable women to fully realise their role as active contributors to national development.

At the opening session, delegates elected the 14th-term Central Committee, comprising 127 members, 23% fewer than the previous term. Le Thi Thuy was re-elected President of the Vietnam Women’s Union for the 2026–2031 term, while Tran Lan Phuong, Nguyen Thi Minh Huong and Nguyen Thi Thu Hien were re-elected as Vice Presidents.

Under the new leadership, the Union will continue promoting gender equality, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women, supporting women’s entrepreneurship, and enhancing women’s capacity to participate in digital and green transformation in line with the country’s development goals.