The report “Green Advantage: Women’s Workforce and Leadership – A Foundation for Sustainable Business in Vietnam” points out that, although the solar energy, plastic recycling, and rice production sectors play a central role in Vietnam’s climate goals, the proportion of women in the formal workforce and leadership positions in these three sectors remains very low, averaging only 23% and 21%, respectively.
As these industries grow to meet growing market demand and open up a range of green job opportunities, gender gaps will stifle innovation, slow growth and reduce business competitiveness and productivity.
This report is the first study in Vietnam to provide practical recommendations for businesses in the three sectors – selected based on their low-emission growth potential and ability to attract investment – to expand opportunities for women through targeted recruitment, upskilling and comprehensive policies that take into account gender factors in the workplace and supply chains.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Gillian Bird, said that when women participate in the workforce, the economy benefits. Expanding employment opportunities for women not only brings shared prosperity, but also strengthens resilience and promotes inclusive growth, especially in sectors that are key to Vietnam’s green transition.
By increasing women's participation in sectors critical to responding to climate change, we can accelerate progress towards net zero emissions while ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared by all, according to Ambassador Gillian Bird.
Removing barriers to women's participation will help close the skills gap, build a future-ready workforce and improve business performance.
The report found that businesses that promote gender equality are better able to adapt to climate risks, reduce emissions, capture new growth opportunities and attract strong investor interest. Some businesses interviewed reported implementing an action plan within the business to promote women’s participation, such as adopting an equal opportunity policy – improving access to competitive finance.
The World Bank Group estimates that Vietnam’s path to net-zero emissions will create nearly one million new jobs by 2040, particularly in science , technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Businesses should therefore take proactive measures to ensure women have equitable access to these employment opportunities.
Mr. Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, said that Vietnam's strong commitment to a low-emission and climate-resilient economy is not only a necessity, but also a great opportunity for private enterprises to play a pioneering role in the transformation process and create a more inclusive future.
Accordingly, this new report with a specific action roadmap for each sector shows that businesses that care about the role of women have a clear advantage in closing the skills gap, creating better jobs, attracting investment and leading Vietnam's green transition with a more efficient and sustainable operating model.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/thuc-day-su-tham-gia-cua-phu-nu-dong-luc-moi-cho-doanh-nghiep-dan-dau-chuyen-doi-xanh-post552144.html
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