In celebration of the 114th anniversary of International Women's Day (March 8, 1910 - March 8, 2024), on March 7, 2024, the Foreign Trade University, in collaboration with four G4 embassies—Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway—organized the "She Leads Here" program, aiming to amplify the voices and role models of women in various fields, enhance awareness of the role, value, and image of women as leaders, inspire breaking down gender barriers, encourage voices, promote gender equality, and showcase success stories of women's leadership achievements.

Attending the program were ambassadors including: Mr. Shawn Steil - Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam; Ms. Wendy Hinton - Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam; Ms. Hilde Solbakken - Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam; Mr. Thomas Gass - Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam.

From the Foreign Trade University, there were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan - the Party Committee Secretary and President, President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy - the Party Committee Deputy Secretary and Chairwomen of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong - Vice President of the University; Heads/Deputies of departments within the university, along with over 300 lecturers, staff members, and students. The program also saw participation from delegates from the Vietnam Women's Academy and the 2030 Youth Force Vietnam network.

The program aimed to amplify the voices and role models of women in various fields and raise awareness of the role, value, and image of women as leaders; inspire students to break down gender barriers, encourage their voices, and promote gender equality among students; and introduce success stories of women's achievements and leadership abilities from speakers such as female entrepreneurs, female mine clearance officers, female film directors, and others.

In her welcoming speech at the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong, Vice President of the Foreign Trade University, warmly greeted the four embassies and the program speakers. With a 64-year history of development and a mission to serve society with excellence in education, innovation, and knowledge transfer, the Foreign Trade University is proud of its talented generations of students and alumni who maintain their passion and are ready to experience the ups and downs of life. The university is also proud of its internationally open educational environment established and maintained since its inception. At the Foreign Trade University, with its core values of diversity and harmony, we do not discriminate based on gender, region, continent, etc., and we respect and harmonize all differences to harness the strengths of each individual to create organizational strength. On behalf of the university's leadership team, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong expressed sincere thanks to the embassies, speakers, esteemed guests, professors, and students who attended the "She Leads Here" event.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong expressed hope that every woman inspired at today's "She Leads Here" event will gain confidence to continue writing her own story. "Especially, I hope both men and women are companions who understand and trust women because when we are united and in agreement, we will face challenges and overcome all limits. And perhaps that is how we truly honor women not only on March 8 but on every day of the year," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong shared.

In his opening remarks at the program, Mr. Shawn Steil - Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, thanked the Foreign Trade University, the Vietnam Women's Academy, and the 2030 Youth Force Vietnam for collaborating with the G4 embassies to organize this meaningful event. On the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, Mr. Shawn Steil also, on behalf of the G4 Ambassadors, sent best wishes to the speakers, distinguished guests, professors, and students. Today's #SheLeadsHere event is organized to amplify the voices of female leaders with diversity. "We all have a role to play in breaking down barriers, and we, the countries: Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, will continue to prioritize meaningful participation of young women in all fields."

Ambassador Steil emphasized the pioneering role of the G4 embassies in efforts to promote gender equality in Vietnam. Canada has a foreign policy that supports women's rights. Canada believes that everyone, regardless of gender and background, should benefit fully from equal participation in economic, political, social, and cultural fields. Canada has been implementing this policy in Vietnam, from diplomatic support efforts for peace and security to commercial and economic cooperation activities and eliminating violence against women and girls. In the field of gender equality, Norway's goal is to increase opportunities for women and girls, promote their rights, and empower them more. The most important thing is that men and women, girls and boys, all have equal opportunities. Through cooperation projects in Vietnam, Norway continues to share experiences in promoting gender equality by enhancing the rights of women and girls, empowering women in all fields, including mine clearance, and establishing policies to protect global standards against harmful practices such as gender discrimination and gender selection at birth. In its foreign policy, Switzerland always prioritizes achieving global gender equality goals, so Switzerland contributed decisively to the establishment of UN Women in 2010. To date, with Switzerland's support, UN Women has improved gender equality standards in over 60 countries worldwide. As a member of the G4, Switzerland consistently integrates gender in its projects in Vietnam, focusing on contributing to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, for example, by raising awareness of gender in education and community outreach activities and empowering women from ethnic minority groups. New Zealand always stands side by side with women in Vietnam. Over the years, New Zealand has demonstrated strong support through various development projects, supporting women and girls, especially those from vulnerable groups. Forms of support include capacity-building programs, financial support, livelihood support, and projects to combat violence based on gender.

Through inspiring stories of overcoming difficulties, social prejudices to take charge of life, and achieving success in career paths shared by invited guests from various fields/professions such as business, arts, creativity, entrepreneurship,... to special fields such as mine clearance..., university officials, lecturers, students at the Foreign Trade University, as well as participants, gained additional motivation and insights into the important role of women and girls in families and society.

Ms. Katie Nguyen - Representative of Sunwah Corporation in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy General Director of Sunwah Vietnam, and alumni of Course 46 of the Foreign Trade University's high-quality International Economics program. Having studied at the Foreign Trade University and the University of Hong Kong, along with over 10 years of experience in managing projects from real estate, coffee, technology,... Katie is a dynamic leader in business and innovation. One of her outstanding achievements is establishing the Sunwah Innovation Center in Ho Chi Minh City and building an international partner network. Katie shared her story from a recent graduate of the Foreign Trade University, contemplating whether to pursue a higher scholarship or work, going through many jobs and the difficulties she faced, urging her to develop programs to support entrepreneurial enterprises, women's leadership,... "I am an ordinary person, starting from an ordinary point, but my choices have enabled me to do extraordinary things," Katie shared.

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Diep - Film director, film producer, and a prominent figure in Vietnamese cinema. She has had many successful films recognized by the Vietnamese and global public. Her film "Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere" (2014) participated in competitions at many international film festivals and won the Best Director award at the Bratislava International Film Festival. In 2016, she was invited as a jury member at the Fribourg Film Festival in Switzerland and was awarded the Medal of Arts and Literature by the French government. From 2021-2023, she served as a member of the Central Council of the Film Department responsible for appraising and classifying narrative films in Vietnam. Through photos tied to life and memorable milestones, Director Hoang Diep emphasizes the role of companions in life, work, career, family, and mind to look in one direction to achieve success. Sending a message to women, Director Hoang Diep advises, "You don't have to be a strong woman, do what your body and mind desire, don't let anyone put yourself in a position to become strong."

Ms. Do Thi Thanh Nhan - Director of the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Assistance Program in Thua Thien Hue Province (TTH). Joining NPA in 2011, Ms. Nhan has 13 years of experience in mine clearance, from field positions to program management roles. In addition to mine action projects, she also oversees the operation of two other projects in Thua Thien Hue Province - including a database unit and environmental protection; both are related to mine action operations conducted by NPA in this province. Ms. Nhan has shared her touching story with her initial personal perception of the "cool, cool" nature of the job, to truly experiencing the difficulties, overcoming family objections, job challenges. Through a short video sharing the process of mine clearance in Thua Thien Hue land, students feel the difficulties, hardships, dangers, and significance of this work, Ms. Nhan's strength and the sisters in this program. Ms. Nhan sends a message to half the world, "Don't limit yourself, dare to do, dare to try, dare to fail because we are still young."

Ms. Chal Thi is the founder of Sokfarm Coconut Honey. Initially a farmer, driven by "love for the homeland coupled with a passion for processing agricultural products," she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with products derived from Trà Vinh coconut honey. With a new model, Sokfarm has brought sustainable livelihoods to coconut farmers, integrating vulnerable labor into the production chain: 80% of Sokfarm employees are Khmer people, with 70% being women, significantly enhancing economic value for farming households by 3-5 times. Sokfarm pursues a business model that generates positive social impact, concurrently safeguarding the environment and caring for community health through Trà Vinh coconut honey essence. According to Chal Thi, each person has their own mission, and she has chosen hers to develop coconut honey, promote economic growth in her homeland, and create value for the community - Trà Vinh, Vietnam's second largest coconut region. Developing the project with support from the Canadian government in Trà Vinh, employing green agricultural production practices, Sokfarm has diversified its product range and exported to many international markets. This ethnic minority girl feels even prouder as her entrepreneurial product has overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, providing income and helping numerous farmers escape poverty. Chal Thi shares her dream of contributing to local education, using business profits to build happy schools for future generations, enabling them to reach out to the world and sow the seeds for building their homeland. "Do what comes from the heart, do what benefits others, yourself, and the collective, and you will be able to overcome everything," emphasized Chal Thi.

The discussion session was moderated by Mr. Thomas Gass - Swiss Ambassador, with participation from New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Ms. Wendy Hinton. Four distinguished speakers from various fields actively engaged in discussions revolving around the roles of women in work and leadership. Responding to the question of "what women need to do to enhance their value in an organization," New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam underscored three factors: Education, self-confidence, and taking action.

The passionate insights shared by the speakers and the lively discussion session provided an opportunity for university staff, lecturers, and students to interact with politicians. It also offered politicians a deeper understanding of the university, fostering educational connections between the Foreign Trade University and its partners.

In her closing speech, Ms. Hilde Solbakken - Norwegian Ambassador, acknowledged Vietnam's significant achievements in gender equality and empowering women. "At this event, we have heard many wonderful and inspiring success stories. However, gender equality challenges still persist in Vietnam - as in Norway, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and elsewhere - affecting the lives and opportunities of women and girls. From societal gender stereotypes to unequal access to educational and economic opportunities, violence, and gender-based discrimination, these barriers can be disheartening. The best way to overcome this is perseverance, continuing to believe in one's own capabilities, working diligently, and by promoting support networks." The Norwegian Ambassador also affirmed the role of education in educating young generations to contribute to changing societal perceptions and gender stereotypes. Importantly, everyone, both men and women, must stand side by side, break down barriers, and build a world where everyone can reach far, creating a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a living reality.