Thursday was a day of meeting with Vietnamese academics. In the morning we visited Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences. We met with Professor Nguven Ngoe Tho, Cultural Studies, Professor Tran dinh Lam, Philosophy and Economics, and some of their students. Professor Nguven Ngoe Tho gave us an overview of some cultural and social issues in Vietnam. His comments about occupational gender segregation being the "natural way" sparked lively disagreement. Professor Tran Dinh Lam addressed economic changes since 1975.
Ho Chi Minh University students
The afternoon was a refreshing and inspiring visit at Hao Sen University. We met with Dr. Bui Tran Phuong, President of Hao Sen, Dr. Thai Thi Ngoc Du, Director of Gender and Society Research Center, and several of their colleagues and students.
Discussion with Hao Sen University Faculty
Dr. Bui Tran Phuong, Hao Sen University President
Courageous, outspoken, and incisive analysis of gender issues was provocative and inspirational. They discussed the limitations of the current political scene in terms of reducing the gap between laws concerning gender equality and ending domestic violence and the realities of women's lives. They are doing exciting research on many topics, from sexual violence to the effects of Agent Orange on women's health. They are in the process of translating some of their work into English and French and within the month, I should have access to some of these materials.
Dr. Thai Thi Ngoc Du, Director, Gender and Society Research Center
In terms of gender textbooks, they do not have anything in their library after 1999. One of my goals is to get them a copy of the gender textbook I have co-authored as well as copies of other recent gender texts. I hope to remain in contact with this amazing group of women.
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