The Power of Her

The Goethe-Institut Hanoi is pleased to present a public talk featuring Member of the German Bundestag (MdB) Serap Güler and Former member of the Vietnamese National Assembly Ninh Ton-Nu-Thi, representing the voices of women in politics from Germany and Vietnam.

Despite their cultural and historical differences, Vietnam and Germany have a number of compelling examples of women's journeys to positions of influence in society and politics. The numerous narratives from the two countries, which Serap Güler and Ninh Ton-Nu-Thi are part of, illustrate the transformative impact of women's voices at various societal levels. The progression from political landscapes where only a few women were present to a significant shift in not only the number of women represented in important positions, but also in the impact and involvement they contributed in various fields is a lengthy journey. On the ongoing way to gender equality, we see both triumphs and setbacks.

To understand the impact of women in politics in Vietnam and Germany, we must consider their personal experiences and the factors that have shaped them. Therefore, by presenting the perspectives of Serap Güler and Ninh Ton-Nu-Thi, we aim to illuminate their remarkable journeys and the profound impacts they have made on society. Their contributions have diversified gender representation in a traditionally male-dominated field and brought about meaningful change. More importantly, we seek to share their personal stories, emphasizing the power of individual narratives in driving significant societal transformation.

About the Speakers and Moderator

Serap Güler Serap Güler has been a member of the German Bundestag since September 2021. She sits on the Defense Committee of the German Bundestag for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Her thematic focus is on the cyber domain, digitalization and the human resources of the German Bundeswehr. She is also the deputy chairwoman of the Bundestag’s Study Commission on Afghanistan as well as a deputy member of the Interior Committee.

Ninh Ton-Nu-Thi Madam Ninh Ton-Nu-Thi has been a university lecturer, career diplomat and elected official: Ambassador of Viet Nam to the European Union and Belgium (2000-2003), Vice-Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee, Viet Nam National Assembly (2003-2007). Today as President, Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Foundation, she continues to promote Viet Nam’s sustainable development, empowerment of women and youth, and Viet Nam’s more effective international integration and nation branding. Through her frequent interaction with the public, especially women, youth and the media, she is known as one of the public figures with a meaningful voice in Viet Nam.

Khổng Loan Khổng Loan is a professional journalist with over 23 years of experience working in the press and media environment in Vietnam. Her most recent career endeavor was as Deputy Managing Editor at Forbes Vietnam magazine, where she spent most of her time collaborating with female leaders across Vietnam in its female leadership programs and content.

She left the magazine in August 2024 after a 12-year tenure and is now leveraging her insights and expertise to become a communication and spokesperson coach at Spokesperson Training Vietnam, an initiative she founded aimed at helping leaders and managers of businesses and organizations become excellent communicators in media and public engagements.