Vietnam Hosts ACWO Board Meeting in Hanoi
Delegates from ASEAN women's organizations gathered in Hanoi and admitted Timor-Leste's women's network as the group's 11th member.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Women’s Issues
The Vietnam Women's Union hosted the Board of Directors Meeting of the ASEAN Confederation of Women's Organizations in Hanoi on November 4, 2026. Delegates admitted the Timor-Leste Women's Network as the 11th ACWO member during the session.
Why it matters
The meeting was held during Vietnam's rotating ACWO presidency and aims to affirm the country's role in promoting cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN women's organizations. It also contributes to implementing Politburo Resolution No. 59, issued January 24, 2025.
The session included 43 delegates from 10 member organizations and reviewed operational and financial results for the 2025-2026 term. Delegates also approved leadership positions for the 2027-2028 term, though the source does not specify the individuals selected.
The players
ASEAN Confederation of Women's Organizations (ACWO)
A regional confederation of women's organizations across Southeast Asia that coordinates cooperation and solidarity among its member groups.
Vietnam Women's Union
The Vietnamese national women's organization that holds the rotating ACWO presidency for 2025-2026 and hosted the meeting.
Le Thi Thuy
Vietnamese politician who serves as a Member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Women's Union, and as ACWO President for 2025-2026.
The details
Le Thi Thuy, President of the Vietnam Women's Union and ACWO President for 2025-2026, presided over the meeting. Delegates signed an agreement admitting the Timor-Leste Women's Network and approved the ACWO leadership slate for the next term.
Timeline
January 24, 2025: Politburo Resolution No. 59 on international integration was issued.
November 4, 2026: The ACWO Board of Directors Meeting was held in Hanoi.
2027-2028 term: The rotating presidency is scheduled to pass to the Indonesian Women's Congress (KOWANI).
Culture Shift
The meeting falls under Politburo Resolution No. 59's international integration agenda, positioning Vietnam's women's union as an active regional actor in ASEAN civil society. It reflects a broader pattern of Vietnamese state-linked organizations taking leadership roles in multilateral women's networks.
For readers following women's leadership across Southeast Asia, the meeting shows how regional networks are expanding membership and rotating leadership between countries. Changes in ACWO membership and presidency may shape which regional women's priorities receive coordinated attention.
The takeaway
Regional women's networks grow through membership admissions and rotating leadership, so tracking presidency handoffs offers a clear view of where cooperation is heading. Readers interested in Southeast Asian women's organizations can watch the 2027-2028 transition to KOWANI.
What happens next
The rotating ACWO presidency is scheduled to pass to the Indonesian Women's Congress (KOWANI) in the 2027-2028 term, and the 22nd General Assembly is planned to follow with delegates' practical insights.
Further reading
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