Prejudice against female workers in the hospitality industry aroused public concern at a workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on March 15 under the co-sponsorship of the municipal University of Law and the Rey Juan Carlos University of Spain.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen and Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh from the HCMC University of Law shared the view that atop their domestic workloads and time pressures, public prejudice experienced by women in services seen as ‘sensitive’ - such as restaurant and hotel staff and tourist guides - constitutes a major obstacle to women in the hospitality industry.

Women have limited access to training and are at greater risk of being dismissed than their male colleagues, they said.

Workshop participants asked lawmakers to review regulations on gender to provide concrete tools and increase preferential policies for women-intensive businesses.

They also proposed that relevant agencies intensify education on gender and campaign for gender equality.

“Public agencies and political organisations should promote gender equality right at their workplace and eliminate prejudice against women working in ‘sensitive’ services,” many said.

The hospitality industry provides over 1 million new jobs every year and women make up more than 42% of the sector’s workforce.

The sector also contributes to some 10% of the gross domestic product.

A book titled “Time zone cuisine” was launched by Menu Frettin Publishing House at the festival, which has been an annual event since 2007.

The book, introducing typical dishes and culinary culture of many different countries, was co-authored by 26 famous Francophone chefs.

Vietnamese cuisine was prominently featured, thanks to the articles by Didier Corlou and David Lacroix, who are fascinated with Vietnamese food.

According to Corlou, Vietnam has a unique culinary culture, and he never misses an opportunity to show off the country’s typical dishes.

Vietnamese food plays a positive role in bringing Vietnam’s culture to the world.

A programme of Vietnamese food will be broadcast on April 4 on TV Channel 5 with French chef David Lacroix demonstrating two dishes.

Their exhibition features 64 works, including wooden and metal sculptures, terracotta, and oil on canvas, lacquer, and watercolour paintings.

Theme of the works is the people, culture, and lands of the south-western region.

Le Trieu Dien, Head of the Mekong Art Club, has displayed terracotta works, while Le Kiet, a club member has an oil on canvas work titled Nguoi va Cop (Human and Tiger) and a series of terracotta sculptures depicting humans.

The Mekong Delta-based Le Hong Thai has on display wooden sculptures made from tree roots depicting a mother and her lullaby, which have come in for critical praise.

Other popular artists displayed at the exhibition include Luong Truong Tho, Hong Linh, and Phuc An.

According to HCMC Fine Arts Association, the exchange is an annual event that helps painters from the two localities share their artistic experiences.

Nguyen Huynh Anh, Head of Tien Giang Province’s Art and Literature Association, said the province’s artists have an opportunity to learn from their HCMC colleagues.

The HCMC Fine Arts Association established the Mekong Art Club in 1996 and has since organised several exchanges with other localities.

The exhibition, on at the Fine Arts Association, 218A Pasteur Street, District 3, will remain open until March 19.

About 60 kilometers from Can Tho City, Vi Thanh Commune attracts travelers to its canal along Xa No Park with its poetic surroundings. The park runs along Tran Hung Dao Street, protecting visitors from the sun with its many green trees. It is amazing to walk in the park under the moonlight to watch the boats silently float on the canal.

The canal was formed in 1901-1903 by two French people, Duval and Guery. At night, departing from Vi Thanh Market, tourists can stroll along the canal to taste the rustic flavor of the delta. Along the canal is a statue garden with dozens of white stone sculptural works. Stepping onto the overpass, travelers can see the great length of the canal.

Xa No Canal is also a venue for exciting boat races which always draw shouts and shrieks from the crowd.

In the center of the commune is a one-hectare lotus pond which is a great place to take photos. The park has a theater that can hold about 1,000 guests to enjoy artistic performances. Near the pond is a museum displaying documents and artifacts featuring the history of Hau Giang Province.