Empowering women in leadership towards sustainable development

WILJ6 brought together 20 female leaders from Vietnam’s public sector, providing them with opportunities to enhance their leadership capabilities.

WILJ6 graduates and onboarding WILJ7 participants

Through professional connections, intensive training sessions, and mentorship from prominent leaders, government officials, and esteemed experts from both countries, participants received invaluable support to excel in their roles. This course supports realising commitments between the governments of Australia and Vietnam to enhance cooperation in education, one of the key pillars of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in March.

Training and field visit in Australia 

The course offered practical knowledge and skills in gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and gender-sensitive management. These elements are crucial for increasing the representation of women in leadership roles and integrating gender considerations into decision-making processes at all levels.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the participants’ achievements and provided a valuable networking opportunity. Graduates emerged more confident and ready to take active roles in decision-making within their organisations and workplaces.

Participants present their application projects in a panel discussion

WILJ6 participants have applied their acquired knowledge and skills to workplace projects, including policy advice for startup initiatives in the Mo Nong Cultural Tourism Village, enhancing women-led agricultural cooperatives in Tuyen Quang Province, advancing high-quality livestock production in Hung Yen Province, and improving AI-based communication skills for the Disabled People’s Association of Hanoi, among others.

These initiatives align with Vietnam’s National Strategy on Gender Equality (2021–2030), which aims to increase women’s participation in political, economic, and social spheres. The program has empowered women to confidently engage in decision-making within their organizations, fostering meaningful changes in societal attitudes towards gender equality. These projects have generated positive outcomes for organisations and communities, elevating the role of women in society and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Ms Julie Hart, First Secretary, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and Professor Linley Lord, Curtin University’s Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Global, congratulate WILJ6 graduates

Speaking at the event, Ms Julie Hart, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, emphasised that gender equality is a priority for the Australian Government and is at the heart of Australia’s international engagement. She said, “This course together with other gender related investments and activities are contributing to a strengthened strategic partnership between our two countries in public sector governance that advances women in leadership, fosters increased leadership capability and networks.”

As WILJ6 concludes, the Australia Awards short course initiative will continue with the seventh cohort. WILJ7 will offer intensive training sessions designed by leading experts from both Australia and Vietnam, complemented by experiential activities over the next nine months. This cohort will also include male leaders, recognising their vital role in promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive workplace environments.

A panel discussion introducing WILJ Community of Practice

Participants will connect with inspirational figures, broaden their professional networks, and deepen their understanding of gender equality and leadership skills. This program exemplifies a commitment to driving gender equity across sectors.

Advancing women in leadership is central to key missions of the Vietnam Australia Centre, which prioritise initiatives to increase women representation and impacts in decision-making in the public and private sectors.