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| Students participate in a communication and counseling session on adolescent reproductive health and sex education |
Communication – the key to change
In the context of the 4.0 technology era, the internet and social media have opened up many learning and connection opportunities but also pose numerous risks, especially for girls. Online scams, grooming, kidnapping, sexual abuse, child marriage, gender stereotypes, and academic pressure all leave serious psychological and physical consequences for them.
In recent years, Hue City’s health sector has focused on implementing communication programs targeting women and girls. At the Quang Dien Medical Center, activities such as premarital club meetings and communication programs in schools on gender equality, reducing sex imbalance at birth, and preventing child marriage have been regularly maintained, showing clear positive results.
On October 6 alone, more than 400 students from Dang Dung Secondary School (Quang Dien District) participated in an integrated communication session on the role of women and girls, adolescent reproductive health, safe contraception, and prevention of sex imbalance at birth. “Through the session, I learned more about reproductive health and the consequences of child marriage or gender selection during pregnancy. I realized the importance of protecting myself and valuing my own gender,” said 9th grader Nguyen Thi Nhu.
According to Ms. Phan Le Thuy Trang, Deputy Head of the Population and Development Department of Quang Dien Medical Center, communication about the status of girls is regularly integrated into schools, women’s clubs, and communities. “We strengthen awareness on preventing sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancies, provide adolescent reproductive health counseling, and help girls understand their rights, responsibilities, and how to plan for their future,” Ms. Trang shared.
At the city level, Hue City’s Department of Health closely collaborates with departments, sectors, and mass organizations to expand communication activities and enhance girls’ self-protection skills. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Toan, Head of the Population and Child Department, “The health sector focuses on education about child rights, gender equality, and the prevention of violence and abuse. Health facilities are trained to recognize early signs of abuse for timely intervention and provide psychological support for affected children.”
Investing in girls' rights and vision
This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is: “Investing in Girls' Rights and Vision – For Family Happiness, For the Nation’s Future.” The message emphasizes: no gender selection in any form; no child marriage or teenage pregnancy; girls must be respected, loved, and given equal opportunities to study and develop comprehensively.
To realize these messages, communication work in the health sector is considered a key tool. Hue City’s Department of Health implements diverse communication forms, such as: Direct communication through thematic sessions integrated into women’s unions, youth groups, and neighborhood activities; Indirect communication via social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, TikTok, and YouTube; Campaigns on digital platforms such as the Hue-S app and other online channels.
In addition, various emergency hotlines such as the 111 National Child Helpline, Police Hotline 113, and the Cyber Child Protection Network (0796.863.111) are maintained to promptly detect, intervene, and handle abuse cases.
It is clear that for girls to live in a safe and healthy environment, coordinated efforts are needed among the health, education, and public security sectors, social organizations, and families. Parents should act as companions, understanding and equipping their daughters with life skills; schools should integrate gender equality and sex education, creating conditions for all girls to have equal opportunities to learn, contribute, and pursue their dreams.