[Green Monday Series] What does SDG 5 - Gender Equality mean at UEH?

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also the foundation for building a just and peaceful society. However, discrimination, violence, and inequality continue to persist, limiting the participation and development of women and girls worldwide. In pursuit of SDG 5 - Gender Equality, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has implemented various practical initiatives through educational policies, an equitable learning environment, and community awareness-raising efforts. In this edition of the Green Monday Series, we invite readers to explore UEH’s contributions to the fifth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Today, gender inequality exists at multiple levels and remains one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development for both individuals and societies. According to the United Nations, women hold only around 30% of managerial positions globally, while spending 2.5 times more hours on unpaid care and domestic work than men. At the current pace of progress, it could take 300 years to eliminate child marriage, 286 years to remove discriminatory legal barriers, 140 years to achieve equal representation of women in leadership positions, and 47 years to reach gender parity in national parliaments.

In addition, issues related to violence and bodily autonomy remain deeply concerning. Approximately 35% of women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of violence, while 43.7% of married women do not have full decision-making power regarding their own health and reproductive rights. Alarmingly, more than 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone forms of female genital mutilation, resulting in serious physical and psychological consequences. Nevertheless, positive progress has been made: between 2019 and 2024, 99 legal reforms were enacted to eliminate discriminatory regulations and advance gender equality. However, these achievements are still insufficient to ensure a world where all women and girls are fully empowered, highlighting the urgent need for stronger policies, investments, and actions in the years ahead.

Aligned with SDG 5, UEH demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an equitable educational environment and empowering women. Among 8.936 graduates, women represented a significant proportion across various disciplines, including 377 out of 645 graduates in STEM fields, 62 out of 77 graduates in Health Sciences, and 5.514 out of 7.674 graduates in Social Sciences and Humanities. Notably, 66,9% of female students were the first generation in their families to attend university, underscoring UEH’s role in expanding access to higher education. Within its academic workforce, UEH employs 932 female staff members out of 1.247 academic personnel, including 214 female senior academics out of 658 senior academic positions. These figures reflect UEH’s efforts to promote women’s participation and representation in education and research while ensuring equal opportunities across the university community.

Furthermore, UEH has implemented a gender-disaggregated data tracking system throughout its admissions process to analyze female participation in fields where gender imbalance may exist, particularly STEM disciplines. At the same time, the “Understanding You” career guidance platform has been designed to remain gender-neutral throughout its assessment process, enabling learners to explore academic pathways based on their abilities and interests rather than gender stereotypes. Comprehensive support programs for female students have also been implemented. In 2024, UEH awarded nearly 3.066 scholarships to female students, accounting for 70% of the total 4,300 scholarships granted. The university also organized 08 workshops, 06 communication campaigns, and 03 competitions related to gender equality, while providing direct support and counseling to 10 female students facing academic difficulties.

In addition, UEH has established policies to ensure the sustainable development and safety of women, including mechanisms to protect individuals reporting discrimination, non-discrimination policies, and transparent grievance-handling procedures. In education and research, UEH actively encourages women’s participation in scientific research, innovation activities, and fields where female representation remains limited through partnerships with domestic and international organizations. For faculty and staff, welfare policies include maternity leave support, with 13 maternity leave cases processed in 2024, while male employees are entitled to 5-17 days of paternity leave, depending on individual circumstances. UEH also provides free childcare services on campus, serving 50 families and 100 children, helping women balance education, work, and family responsibilities. These efforts demonstrate that UEH promotes gender equality not only through awareness-raising initiatives but also through concrete actions and institutional policies.

Infographic of UEH's contributions to SDG 5 - Gender Equality

Gender equality does not begin with grand actions; it begins with the choices, perspectives, and actions we make every day. When women and girls are empowered, it not only advances fairness but also unlocks the potential of society as a whole. At UEH, these efforts are nurtured through an equitable educational ecosystem, concrete policies, and long-term commitments. Every step forward today contributes to a future where no one is left behind and equality becomes not merely an aspiration, but a societal norm.

This article was prepared with reference to:

1. UEH Sustainability Report 2024: https://books.ueh.edu.vn/sustainability-report-ueh/ 

2. SDG 5 - Gender Equality: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/ 

Additional Information:

UEH Green Campus - Green Monday Series is a communication activity series under the UEH Green Campus Project, posted every Monday to start the week with positive energy and encourage a green lifestyle by providing knowledge, updating news, sharing inspiring stories about environmental protection and sustainable development.

News and photos: UEH Green Campus Project