The Embassy of Sweden Hanoi has just introduced “globalguytalk” initiative in Vietnam, on the International women’s day 2021. The aim is to start conversations between men that can influence attitudes and increase gender equality.

Swedish Ambassador Ann Måwe speaks at the event
“The overall objective of gender equality is a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life. One part of achieving that is for men to understand their chance to be a part of positive change and to reflect on their own situation. My belief is that it is necessary for a healthy family relationship that men talk to each other and overcome prevailing patriarchal mentalities of not sharing emotions”, Ambassador Måwe added.
#globalguytalk can be seen as a follow-up to the highly appreciated photo exhibition Swedish Dads by photographer Johan Bävman – shown in over 70 countries worldwide including Vietnam. This inspired quite a few similar initiatives in Vietnam during the last few years including Vietnamese Dads and Equal Families. With #globalguytalk we wish to build on the experiences from Swedish Dads – stepping up the work with men and boys in support of a gender equal society.
The first #globalguytalk in Vietnam is arranged in cooperation with the Vietnamese Women Museum.
Nguyen Hai Van, Director of the Vietnam Women’s Museum said “Besides preserving and introducing the heritage of Vietnamese women to the public at home and abroad, the Vietnam Women’s Museum is also aware of our mission in raising awareness and improving understanding of gender issues. This is reflected in exhibits that the Museum has done to date, as well as events in collaboration with international organizations on gender multidimensional themes. The exhibition #GlobalGuytalk is one such event. I was very impressed and found it really interesting to see the content of this exhibition, because there are not many forums for Vietnamese men to share their thoughts. And that shows us that equality sometimes does not come from the big thing, but it comes from harmony, listening to understand feelings, emotions and desires from both sides … From there, joining hands, commitment and efforts to build a more equal society”.
“One factor identified as undermining men’s confidence to become involved in gender equality is the lack of positive male role models in society and the media. Fears that engaging men in gender equality strategies may hinder the empowerment of women may act as an additional obstacle. I believe we would only succeed through the participation of both women and men, to achieve equality in our society. I would like to call upon Vietnamese men to actively join #globalguytalk”, said Dang Hoa Nam, Director-General of the Department of Children, Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs – MOLISA, a partner of #GlobalGuyTalk in Vietnam.