That is the information given at the workshop on strengthening access to social security for women and preventing and combating violence in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop was organised by the Vietnamese Women Union (VWU) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Hanoi on December 13.

Standing Vice President of the VWU Bui Thi Hoa said that in the first six months of 2021, the hotline of the Peace House under the VWU received more than 1,300 calls, an increase of 140% compared to 2020, of which more than 1,000 calls were made by women reporting violence, and 74 people are currently staying at Peace House, an increase of 120% compared to 2020.

Scene at the conference

In that context, support policies for those facing difficulties due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic have been issued, in which women and children are always identified as subjects of concern. This has contributed to helping women and children in difficult circumstances stabilise their lives, reduce pressure and risk of violence and abuse.

With different levels, the VWU has implemented activities to respond to Action Month 2021 in the direction of both proposing policies and solutions to ensure social security for women in order to promote the increase of women's power, while carrying out direct care activities, thus contributing to ensuring social security for women affected by COVID-19.

André Gama, Social Protection Programme Manager at ILO Vietnam, said that over the past time, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated inherent challenges, such as: inequality and poverty; revealing gaps in coverage, and entitlement and comprehensiveness of social security. Workers in the informal sector in particular have a lack of access to social security…

In the coming time, when Vietnam adjusts its policy options, it should pay attention to expanding coverage; increasing the linkage between social security layers; improving the level of benefits; promoting equity and supporting vulnerable groups; as well as investing more in social security.

At the event, participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 on social security and vulnerable populations as well as social insurance policies towards promoting gender equality, while proposing solutions to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 on women.

At the same time, they also suggested ideas and solutions for the VWU to continue effectively performing the organisation's functions and tasks in domestic violence prevention and control while participating in the development of policies to protect women from domestic violence, in order to ensure social security for women, and contribute to the country's sustainable socio-economic development.