The 11th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women (SICBW) opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 28, drawing over 2,000 Buddhist women from more than 47 countries and territories worldwide.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan was also present at the opening ceremony of the conference.

The week-long event will discuss issues regarding the role of Buddhist women in the world and ways for Buddhist women to perform well in their role and ability in various areas of social life.

The participants will mention the most burning issues of the current society, including environmental pollution, woman and child trafficking, and domestic violence.

The conference will also provide an opportunity for participants to exchange views on experiences and visions of the future of Buddhist women in promoting friendship and solidarity worldwide.

In a letter sent to the conference, President Nguyen Minh Triet appreciated the 2,000-year history of Vietnamese Buddhism and stressed that the Vietnamese State always respects and ensures the people’s right of religious freedom.

He expressed his wish that Vietnamese Buddhist women, together with their peers in the world, will make active contributions to preventing conflicts and contradictions, eliminating poverty and highlighting the Buddha’s dogmas in the social life.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa suggested that Buddhist women continue to share and stay in connection with various women’s organisations to help guide them improve their behaviours.

(VNA)

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