Viet Nam's female political surge outpaces global gender equality norms
Viet Nam has seen a steady rise in female political representation, with women now making up a significant portion of candidates for the 16th National Assembly (NA) and local people's councils. This year, 45.37 per cent of NA nominees are women—a figure well above the global average of 26.7 per cent in 2023, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The push for greater female participation aligns with national policies aimed at boosting women's roles in leadership. The Law on the Election of NA and People's Council Deputies mandates that candidate lists include at least 35 per cent women. This requirement reflects broader goals set by Politburo Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW and the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2021-30, both of which prioritise increasing women's presence in decision-making positions.
In the 2021 election for the 15th National Assembly, women made up 45.28 per cent of candidates, leading to 30.26 per cent of seats—a record high for recent terms. For the upcoming 2026-2031 term, female candidates represent between 36.5 and 54.07 per cent across provincial and communal councils. Efforts to support this trend include education programmes on election laws, women's support groups for disadvantaged voters, and a national strategy targeting 35 per cent female representation in legislative bodies. The impact of higher female participation is already visible. With over 30 per cent of NA deputies now women, discussions on family policy, gender-based violence prevention, and protections for vulnerable groups have gained momentum. International research also suggests that greater female involvement in legislative bodies tends to shift policy focus toward education, healthcare, social security, and family welfare. Beyond the national level, women's representation is growing in local governance. As of 2024, they hold about 18.64 per cent of seats in provincial Party committees and over 27 per cent at the commune level, indicating a widening pool of female officials.
The 2026 elections mark another step toward gender parity in Viet Nam's political system. With women comprising nearly half of NA candidates and policies actively promoting their inclusion, legislative agendas are increasingly addressing social and family-related issues. The country's progress in female representation now surpasses global averages, reflecting sustained efforts to strengthen women's roles in governance.
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