Mr Trong described the conference as a good opportunity for AIPA members to share experiences in promoting women’s role in law making and in socio-political affairs.
He said emancipating women, protecting their rights, promoting gender equality has become a focal point of all nations and one of the Millennium Development Goals.

He noted that most AIPA member countries have high rates of female parliamentarians, ranging from 20-28 percent, even 31 percent in Malaysia, and many of them are holding key positions in parliaments as well as other state agencies.

Vietnam makes every effort to prevent discrimination, protect women’s rights and strictly adhere to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, said Mr Trong.

He expressed his hope that female parliamentarians will carry out more activities to promote their role and strengthen cooperation amongst the AIPA member countries for solidarity and prosperity of the ASEAN community.
Vice Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou briefed Chairman Trong on issues discussed at the conference, including a plan to establish an AIPA Female Parliamentarians League to boost cooperation in law making amongst the AIPA countries.