Vietnam Women's Union Assumes Role of ACWO Chairmanship

The VWU delegation, headed by Vice President Trần Lan Phương, visited the Philippines from November 7 to 10, 2024.
During the visit, the delegation attended the 21st ACWO General Assembly, the handover ceremony of the ACWO rotating chairmanship on November 8, 2024, and participated in a Cybersecurity Conference hosted by the National Council of Women of the Philippines (NCWP).
The General Assembly was attended by representatives of ACWO’s member organizations and observers from Timor-Leste. During this session, members approved the minutes of ACWO Board of Director meetings over the past two years, as well as activity and financial reports. Delegates also discussed ACWO related issues such as financial matters, the 2025 action plan/vision, the approval of regional projects, and the themes and action plan for ACWO’s 2025–2026 term.
This year, the VWU took over the ACWO rotating chairmanship for the 2025–2026 term from the NCWP. This marks the second time the VWU has assumed this role, with the first one during the 2009–2010 term.
The handover ceremony was organized in a solemn and friendly manner by the host country, the Philippines. On behalf of the VWU, Vice President Trần Lan Phương expressed the honor of taking on the ACWO chairmanship for the second time and hoped that the VWU and ACWO member organizations would continue to promote the ACWO’s core values and potential.
As the incoming ACWO Chair, the VWU plans to host the ACWO Board of Directors Meeting in 2025 and the ACWO General Assembly at the end of 2026 in Viet Nam.
VWU Vice President Trần Lan Phương and Vietnamese delegation (third, fourth, and fifth from left)
On this occasion, on November 8, the NCWP organized a Cybersecurity Conference featuring panel discussions such as Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders Shaping ASEAN Cybersecurity Policies, Strengthening in Unity: Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies Across ASEAN, and The Future of ASEAN Cybersecurity: Women as Catalysts for Change.
The VWU delegation actively contributed to discussions at the 21st ACWO General Assembly and served as a panelist during the panel on Strengthening in Unity: Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies Across ASEAN.
The ACWO was established in 1981 to promote women’s participation, contribution, and benefits in national and regional development processes and to implement ASEAN governments’ programs and strategies. Currently, ACWO comprises national women’s organizations from all 10 ASEAN member countries. The ACWO General Assembly, held every two years, serves as the confederation’s highest governing body. During the General Assembly, ACWO elects a two-year Board of Directors, including positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, and Directors. These roles rotate among member countries on a two-year basis.