GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN LEGAL DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S UNION

Abstract

Gender mainstreaming in the development of legal documents is an important technique that helps policies and laws become gender-sensitive. Gender mainstreaming in the development of policies, programs and plans for the country’s socio-economic development has been specified in the National Strategy for Gender Equality for the 2021-2030 period, issued under Resolution 28/NQ-CP dated March 3, 2021 of the Government. The Vietnam Women’s Union plays an important role in participating in the development of policies and laws and participating in state management of gender equality in accordance with the provisions of law, participating in monitoring the implementation of gender equality laws (Article 29, Law on Gender Equality 2006). At the same time, it plays an important role in conducting social criticism of policies and laws on gender equality (Article 30, Law on Gender Equality 2006). The Resolution of the 13th National Women’s Congress for the 2022-2027 term emphasizes that each year the provincial Women’s Union shall preside over the social criticism of at least one draft document related to women, children, family, gender equality and the organization of the Union. However, in reality, the knowledge and skills of Union officials at all levels on gender mainstreaming in legal documents are still limited.