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A training on Gender Mainstreaming in STEM education, co-hosted by Hanoi National University of Education, the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education and Training, and Aus4Skills, took place from 8 to 9 June 2026 with the participation of 25 lecturers from pedagogical institutions nationwide.
The activity aimed to enhance the capacity for gender analysis and gender mainstreaming in pedagogical programs, while promoting equality in access to education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In her opening remarks, Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, said that the training course contributes to the implementation of Decision No. 4247 of the Ministry of Education and Training on mainstreaming gender in pedagogical programs for the 2024-2030 period and aligns with Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo which promotes STEM, innovation, and ensuring equity in access to education.
Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, delivers opening remarks.
The training equips lecturers with additional knowledge and skills to integrate gender into their teaching methods, contributing to creating a favourable learning environment and raising students’ awareness of gender equality and related issues.
The organisers expect that after the training course, participants will effectively apply the acquired knowledge to their teaching practices at their institutions, thereby contributing to improving the quality of pedagogical education in the context of educational reform.
Ms Naomi Cook, Development Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, said the training represents the strong and ongoing partnership between Australia and the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training in strengthening education systems and advancing inclusive human resource development.
Ms Naomi Cook, Development Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, delivers opening remarks.
The partnership between Vietnam and Australia in the education sector is longstanding, beginning very early with Australian Government funded scholarships to Vietnam in 1974. To date, more than 7,500 Vietnamese have studied in Australia through Australian Government schorlaships and returned to contribute meaningfully across every sector in Vietnam.
“STEM is a key driver of economic growth, innovation and national competitiveness in Vietnam,†she added, noting the high importance of expanding access to STEM education for all learners as Vietnam is accelerating its education reform and digital transformation agenda.
“Gender inequality in STEM, whether in classrooms, curricula, or career pathways, limits talent, innovation, and opportunity,†Ms Naomi Cook said. “Promoting gender equality in STEM is not only about fairness. It’s about improving the quality of education, equipping all learners to thrive, and ensuring Vietnam has a diverse and capable workforce for the future.â€
Through the Aus4Skills program, Australia has supported over 100 lecturers in STEM and administrators from 29 universities nationwide to participate in training courses on gender mainstreaming. This latest workshop prepares for future teachers and educators to effectively implement practical gender mainstreaming ideas and tools in their teaching, especially in STEM spaces.
Ms Naomi Cooks said she hopes participants continue to utilise the knowledge and skills in this training to support equitable education, strengthen academic exchanges, and establish a network to foster cooperation between lecturers and experts in many universities throughout Vietnam.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Son, President of Hanoi National University of Education, believes that integrating gender into STEM education is a suitable and meaningful approach in the current context. He said STEM is often associated with engineering, technology, and machinery, fields that have long been influenced by certain gender stereotypes. Therefore, mainstreaming gender in STEM education demonstrates innovative thinking and contributes to expanding learning and development opportunities for all learners.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Son, President of Hanoi National University of Education, delivers welcoming remarks.
The HNUE President highly appreciates the training’s focus on lecturers of pedagogical universities, who play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge, awareness, and values ​​about gender equality to future teachers and eventually school students.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Son affirmed that Hanoi National University of Education is always ready to receive and disseminate new knowledge and skills to serve education and community development. Currently, the university has integrated gender equality into several training programs, including the course “Gender Equality and Community Development” which is part of the Master’s Program in Education and Community Development./.
25 educators from many pedagogical institutions across Vietnam attended the training.
Group discussion during training.
Ms Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, Deputy Head of Pedagogy Department, Da Lat University delivers a mock lesson, applying new knowledge on gender mainstreaming.
