This competition is part of the campaign "16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls," which runs from November 25th to December 10th all over the world.
Women are powerful. Women can do anything men can. Women are discriminated against in job interviews. Can a man be a good mother?
These are some of the prize-winning cartoons in a competition on gender equality last July in Belgium - the country of cartoons and comics. The competition’s success has encouraged the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam to launch another in the country.
"Cartoons and comics in Vietnam are quite popular, so we are excited to hold this competition. We hope it will increase public awareness of gender equality through fun and creative pictures. Our message is a meaningful picture, more valuable than a long speech." - Jehanne Roccas, Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam.
Although Vietnam has made progress in empowering women over the last few years, male chauvinism is still prevalent in the country. Particularly, domestic violence is still a major concern.
"All Vietnamese citizens over 18, whether professional or amateur painters, are welcome to submit their pictures to the competition before January 18th 2016. Through cartoons, organizers hope to draw public attention to gender equality and contribute to a more gender-equal society in Vietnam." - Shoko Ishikawa, Country Representative in Vietnam, UN Women.
"I’ve drawn cartoons for years, but this is my first time in a competition on gender equality. Painters like me are quite excited." - Le Duc Dung, Painter
"Cartoons do not need to be beautiful, but they must be meaningful. A good picture can make people both laugh and think." - Ly Truc Dung, Painter - Judge.
The competition’s awards ceremony will be held in March, 2016. The first-prize winner will have a chance to visit Belgium and meet with famous cartoonists there?
