Hanoi: As many as 45% of candidates for Vietnam's 16th National Assembly (NA) being women is an encouraging and positive development, according to Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Vietnam. In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) ahead of the election of deputies to the 16th NA and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, Nyamayemombe said the figure also aligns with Vietnam's electoral law, which stipulates that at least 35% of candidates on the official list must be women.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the increased representation of female candidates marks a significant step towards gender equality in Vietnam's political landscape. The move is seen as a commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. The 16th NA elections are set to play a crucial role in shaping the country's future policies, and the inclusion of a substantial number of female candidates is expected to bring diverse perspectives to the table.