On the morning of July 16, 2024, in Hanoi, the city's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development collaborated with the Hanoi Women's Union to organize a workshop titled “Enhancing the Role of Women’s Unions in Promoting, Connecting, and Supporting Safe Agricultural and Food Production in Hanoi.”
Pham Thi Thanh Huong, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi Women’s Union, highlighted that the city currently boasts nearly 30 commercial centers, 130 supermarkets, 455 markets, over 2,500 convenience stores, 1,414 safe fruit stores, 159 production and consumption chains for agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, and 56 locations showcasing and selling OCOP (One Commune, One Product) certified items.
Recognizing the vital role of women in agricultural production, business, and consumption, the Hanoi Women’s Union has actively promoted State and municipal regulations and knowledge on quality and safe food production. It has also partnered closely with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to guide and support women in applying technology, embracing digital transformation, building brands, and connecting agricultural products with consumers through e-commerce platforms.
Ha Tien Nghi, Deputy Head of the Division for Quality, Processing, and Market Development under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that Hanoi has 13,739 facilities involved in agricultural, forestry, and aquatic production and business, including 1,609 enterprises, of which women-owned businesses account for approximately 40%. Women also make up a significant portion of the workforce directly engaged in food production and business.
Ensuring safe food production and business has become a crucial and urgent priority for adding value to agricultural products and safeguarding public health. Women account for nearly 50% of Hanoi’s population and form a substantial share of the labor force involved in producing, trading, and consuming agricultural products, with significant influence over purchasing decisions.
In conclusion, Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the importance of further strengthening the role of women in promoting and connecting the production and consumption of safe agricultural products. Moving forward, the department will continue to collaborate with the Women’s Union to raise awareness among women members about food safety and encourage behavioral changes to ensure safety in production, business, and consumption; promote women’s participation in trade promotion activities and the adoption of digital technologies to enhance production and product distribution; strengthen the monitoring of food safety regulations at production, processing, and business facilities; leverage the combined efforts of political and social organizations with governmental agencies to ensure food safety, protect public health, and advance sustainable agricultural development.
