Background

Vietnamese women are much more likely than men to be excluded
from economic opportunities, and to derive livelihoods from lower
value, less skilled and less secure work. Women from ethnic minority
groups in particular are much less likely to have waged employment,
have poor financial literacy and little influence over decisions within
the home and the community. Empowering women to participate
actively in the economy is critical to reducing poverty and building a
sustainable economy.

Objective 3 of the Australian Aid Investment Plan for Vietnam will
complement the efforts of the Government of Vietnam in identifying,
trialing and scaling-up approaches to close gender gaps in economic
livelihoods. This will include working with the private sector, promoting
increased employment opportunities for women, expanding womenled
small to medium enterprises, and supporting programs and
policies that better empower women. Support will be focused on Vietnam's northern mountainous areas, which have a higher incidence
of extreme poverty.

Expected Results

• Women are more economically secure.
• Women influence decision-making in the family, the community,
  workplaces and businesses.
• Businesswomen have increased knowledge and skills, stronger
  networks and more bargaining power.
• Government of Vietnam policies, programs and services are more
  inclusive of the needs of women (including ethnic minority women).
• More businesses achieve gender equity in their workplaces.