Women's economic participation in Vietnam

In rural Vietnam, women are increasingly driving economic growth through the establishment of agricultural cooperatives and the diversification of livelihoods. In Son La province, the Dai Ngan Yen Son Cooperative, founded by Hoang Thi Nam, manages approximately 12 hectares of diverse crops to transition from individual farming to organized production. Similar trends in Ha Tinh province show women expanding into specialized livestock and high-tech aquaculture, such as raising Thai bamboo rats and utilizing abandoned salt lands for shrimp farming.

Efforts to enhance women's roles in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are expanding to include sustainable livelihoods and increased decision-making power. In Lao Cai province, the Women's Union is promoting entrepreneurship and the long-term sustainability of women-managed cooperatives. Dr. Tran Huu Nghi of the Center for Tropical Forestry Research has emphasized that vocational training must be tailored to the specific time constraints and diverse roles women hold, from producers to technical staff.

Parallel to these grassroots activities, national and international discussions are addressing the broader care economy. A workshop hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, UN Women, and the Australian Embassy framed services like childcare and eldercare as “essential economic infrastructure.” While women in Vietnam perform significantly more unpaid care work than men—averaging 15.5 hours per week compared to 8.75 hours—experts noted this sector could represent up to 20% of the GDP. These dialogues aim to inform policy priorities for the 2027 APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy.