SUMMARY OF THE “SAFER CITIES FOR GIRLS” PROJECT
The “Safer Cities for Girls” project, financially and technically supported by Plan International, began with a pre-feasibility survey in Hanoi in 2012. From 2014 to 2016, the project was piloted in several schools in Dong Anh district and collaborated with the Hanoi Public Transport Management Center under the Hanoi Department of Transport. Building on these results, from 2016 to 2020, the project was implemented by the Gender Equality Department of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, and the Hanoi Women’s Union, focusing on communication initiatives to raise awareness and strategic direction for safe and sister-friendly cities. From July 2020 to June 2023, the project was expanded by the Sustainable Development Management Research Institute (MSD), the Light Community Health Development Institute (LIGHT), the Gender Equality Department, the Hanoi Women’s Union, and local women’s chapters in six districts: Long Bien, Ung Hoa, Bac Tu Liem, Dong Anh, Thanh Xuan, and Dong Da. The project was implemented in all schools in Dong Anh district and Hanoi University of Transport. The overall goal of the project is to make cities in Vietnam safer, more friendly, and more responsible toward girls.
Hanoi, December 10, 2023 – The “Safer Cities for Girls” project concluded with a closing seminar, organized by the Sustainable Development Management Research Institute (MSD) in collaboration with Plan International Vietnam. The event reflected on nearly 10 years of the “Safer and Sister-Friendly City” initiative.
At the closing seminar, the organizing committee reported the results and impacts of the project, summarized feedback and experiences from beneficiaries and participants, and shared lessons learned to promote the project model.
Overview of the Closing Seminar of the “Safer Cities for Girls” Project
Ms. Nguyễn Phương Linh, Director of the Sustainable Development Management Research Institute (MSD), emphasized that the “Safer Cities for Girls” project was like a bus journey that lasted for 10 years. Some have boarded the bus and have remained on its path through all routes, while others have gotten off along the way, but all share a common goal: to inspire and spread the message and meaning of the project. Once on board, whether they are from state agencies, political and social organizations, NGOs, experts, bus drivers, bus assistants, schools, or students, everyone is committed to becoming leaders of change in order to contribute to building a safe, sister-friendly city for everyone.
Ms. Nguyễn Phương Linh – Director of the Sustainable Development Management Research Institute (MSD) Vietnam, shares her journey of supporting the project
Speaking at the seminar, Ms. Lê Quỳnh Lan, Program Manager for Impact and Partnerships at Plan International Vietnam, shared: “Plan is the organization that initiated and connected efforts for the ‘Safer Cities for Girls’ project. However, to achieve the success of this 10-year journey, we are deeply grateful for the commitment and support from state agencies, the government, stakeholders, teachers, and students. The ‘Safer Cities for Girls’ project is one of the key models in Plan International’s Gender-Based Violence Prevention Program. In the future, we are committed to implementing new projects and models to promote gender equality, children’s rights, and collaboration to create sustainable changes, trusting in the potential for change among boys and girls.”
Ms. Lê Quỳnh Lan, Program Manager for Impact and Partnerships at Plan International Vietnam, shares the challenges and difficulties in implementing the project
The project has brought about many changes for the stakeholders. First, the project has established a network of leaders of change. The children were trained in basic knowledge about gender equality, violence prevention/response based on gender, and harassment prevention in public spaces. As a result, these children can spread information to raise awareness among other children about how to identify behaviors, and prevent violence, harassment, and abuse. Additionally, the project has created a safe and friendly environment where children can express their opinions and viewpoints to leaders and responsible individuals. Especially, after listening to the children’s opinions, the leaders have made important decisions to address their legitimate desires and concerns.
The project has also formed a team of core trainers and teachers who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help students identify issues and risks, providing them with the knowledge to prevent and cope with violent and abusive behaviors. Teachers have been companions and supporters, incorporating activities in schools to help spread knowledge to students. Parents have also undergone changes, becoming more open to children who exhibit different gender identities and practicing fairness when treating boys and girls.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thu Thuỷ – Member of the City Labor Federation Party, Former Permanent Vice President of the Hanoi Women’s Union, shares her experience in implementing the project
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thu Thuỷ, Member of the City Labor Federation Party and Former Permanent Vice President of the Hanoi Women’s Union shared her impressions of the “Safer Cities for Girls” project: “During the implementation process, as we were establishing activities to be launched, we also discussed the issues discovered over the years, phases, and topics. Afterward, we adjusted and supplemented the activities and lessons to ensure they were suitable. As a result, the project impacted a large number of people and beneficiaries. Additionally, thanks to the project being implemented at various levels, its activities deeply engaged with each individual and community, attracting the attention of state agencies and local governments.”
Ms. Đoàn Thị Kim Thuỷ, representative of the Gender Equality Department at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, emphasized that the awareness of young people who participated in the project was very different from those who did not. Students who took part in the “Safer Cities for Girls” project became more dynamic, with a clearer understanding of gender equality. They also acquired essential skills to protect themselves, recognize abusive behaviors, and know where to seek help.
Đoàn Thị Kim Thuỷ, representative of the Gender Equality Department, shares the impacts of the project on students’ awareness
Nguyễn Thanh Phương, representative of the COC Club – Leaders of Change at Cổ Loa Secondary School, shared: “Before joining the COC Club, we were shy, reserved students who lacked the confidence to voice our opinions in front of others and held certain gender biases. We always thought that studying was more important and didn’t want to learn any additional skills. However, through participating in the Club, we benefited from the activities that the project offered. We became more confident in expressing our views, and daring to speak up, and we also learned to listen and respect the contributions of others. More importantly, we noticed our growth in both thinking and actions. As a result, we are now more willing to participate in activities to spread these messages to everyone.”
Nguyễn Thanh Phương, representative of the COC Club – Leaders of Change at Cổ Loa Secondary School, shares the impacts of the project on students
During the discussion session at the Project Closing Seminar, delegates, representatives from partners, and beneficiaries shared the impacts, valuable lessons learned, and memorable experiences from their journey with the project.
The project successfully concluded with the message being spread: “Safer Cities for Girls.” To ensure safety for girls = Safety for everyone.
