Project Introduction

The “Prevention of violence against women/girls so as to build safe-spaces for women in educational universities in Viet Nam” project is funded by the British Council with the goal of raising awareness about gender equality and preventing gender-based violence in university environments. The project focuses on assessing students’ knowledge of gender-related issues, forms of violence (psychological, physical, and sexual violence), and the safety levels of female students, staff, and lecturers at educational universities. Additionally, it examines the inclusion of gender equality and violence prevention in university curricula while gathering insights and recommendations from stakeholders to create a safer and more equitable academic and work environment for women.

Context

Violence against women and girls is a global issue that occurs across all aspects of life, including education. It encompasses various forms of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM). Female university students face significant risks of experiencing or witnessing physical violence, sexual assault, and harassment. Studies from countries like the US, Australia, Bangladesh, Spain, and Egypt highlight alarming rates of violence against female students (UN Women, 2018).

Globally, one in three women reports experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner at least once (WHO et al., 2013). In the UK, 9% of women over 16 have faced domestic violence, while in Vietnam, 18% of women aged 20-24 have experienced sexual violence since age 15 (ONS, 2023; GSO, 2019). UK and Vietnamese partners emphasize that making universities safe spaces for women is key to eliminating gender-based violence, focusing on institutional support, accessible services, and prevention strategies (UN Women, 2018).

Project Objectives

The project sets out five key objectives to advance gender equality in Vietnamese pedagogical universities. 

1. First, it will conduct a needs assessment and analyze existing teacher-training programs to evaluate their gender sensitivity, including how they promote women’s rights and non-traditional gender roles. 
2. Second, the project will assess the university environment and the prevalence of gender-based violence, surveying officials, lecturers, staff, and female students across pedagogical universities from northern, central, and southern Vietnam. 
3. A core focus will be on developing training materials on gender equality and gender-based violence prevention and response, equipping students and lecturers with essential knowledge and tools. 
4. These materials will then be implemented through training programs to ensure that participants gain practical understanding and skills. 
5. Lastly, the project will provide policy recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and universities, advocating for the integration of gender equality education into national curricula.

Project Impact

This project will help raise awareness, attitudes, and skills among pedagogical students, equipping future teachers with the knowledge to influence future generations and foster sustainable societal change. The training materials will also be adaptable for use in non-pedagogical universities, as well as preschools and high schools in Vietnam and the UK. If successfully implemented, the project's recommendations will drive substantial improvements in training programs and curricula across multiple educational levels. Additionally, the project will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The project is expected to deliver four key outcomes: 

1. It will enhance the safety of female staff and students at five universities by introducing evidence-based interventions. 
2. A comprehensive set of training materials will be developed, focusing on gender equality knowledge and response strategies to gender-based violence.
3. Additionally, female students across vietnamese pedagogical universities will receive training, improving their awareness and ability to prevent and respond to violence.
4. Finally, the project will generate policy recommendations for MOET and universities, encouraging the long-term inclusion of gender equality education in teacher-training curricula.

By fostering a safer educational environment and equipping future educators with gender-sensitive knowledge, this project aims to create a lasting impact on education and society. Hanoi National University of Education, the University of Northampton, and the University of Salford look forward to working closely to achieve these goals.