Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh made this statement at the ceremony of the 80^th anniversary of Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) in Hanoi on October 19. 

The Party leader congratulated VWU on various achievements and praised organisations and outstanding women for their contributions to the development of the nation and women nationwide. 

He highly appreciated VWU’s role in protecting women’s rights, as well as uniting and directing women to implement the State’s policies.

VWU has greatly contributed to the women’s liberation movement, he said.

Mr.Manh asked VWU at all levels to fulfill the 10^th Congress Party missions, as well as the Socio-economic Development Plan for the 2005-2010 period. 

Mr. Manh also said that VWU needs to contribute their ideas to the Party's 11^th Congress in 2011, and continuously support the campaign for “Studying and Following President Ho Chi Minh’s Moral Examples”. VWU should also fully implement the resolution made by the 10^th National Women’s Congress and prepare for the 11^th National Women’s Congress.  

VWU President Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa said that, VWU has strongly developed over the past 80 years under the leadership of the Vietnam Communist Party and late President Ho Chi Minh.

Also at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan granted the VWU the Golden Star Medal. Four organisations and 13 individuals received other prizes.