HANOI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The 7th meeting of ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) opened in Hanoi on Wednesday, gathering about 100 delegates from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

    The theme of the meeting is strengthening capacity of ASEAN countries' mechanism for the advancement of women, according to the organizers.

    Delegates, at the two-day event, will focus on the draft master plan to build an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the establishment of an ASEAN committee for advancement and protection of rights of women and children, and the ASEAN plus Three cooperation in enhancing the role of women.

    Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnam's deputy minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Huynh Thi Nhan, said the meeting is a good opportunity for participants to improve mutual understanding and trust, and come up with initiatives towards gender equality and women's advancement.

    She said the consensus and commitment at the highest level in ASEAN have helped empower women and incorporate gender goals into national policies and socio-economic development programs.

    Nhan said that the issues to be discussed at the meeting coincide with those of Vietnam's concern in its cause of renovation.