CULTURE AFFECTS GENDER EQUALITY: APPROACHES TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN VIETNAM

Although the world, in general, and Vietnam, in particular, are making solid strides, gender equality is still a burning controversy. Women worldwide face specific barriers to their career development and political issues that directly affect women's rights. Vietnam aims to implement Sustainable Development Goals to empower women and promote gender equality which is crucial to accelerating sustainable development. There needs to be an appropriate solution based on the cultural identity and lifestyle of the Vietnamese people, step by step ending inequality and empowering women to take charge of their lives. This study aims to determine the gender gap reason through the cultural filter by answering research questions as how culture affects gender equality in Vietnam and suggesting empowering Vietnamese women by analysing data by interviewing numerous individuals. The research results make an impressive summing-up on gender issues in Vietnam, which shows that traditional cultural patterns consider women invalidating, weak, and dependent on men. Women are not financially independent, so there is a financial necessity for men. The dependence on men and the inadequacy of female voice in the family and in society have moulded women into victims of gender inequality. Thus, this writing help to find solutions and motivates women to actively participate in economic production, improving people's living standards and happiness index. The solutions to empower women regrading to financial, social, education and policies approach.