Viet Nam advances women’s entrepreneurship and green growth
Group photo from the workshop in Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Courtesy of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council
Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hai Phong, Viet Nam — A series of workshops and training sessions were organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Women across Viet Nam to advance women’s entrepreneurship and promote green businesses, reflecting the country’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development.
The initiative kicked off with the workshop on “Cooperation to Promote Energy Efficiency and Transition Solutions Towards Green and Sustainability in Business,” held on 21 June 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City. This event gathered 120 practitioners from business associations, financial institutions, and enterprises. The discussions focused on the critical role of women in the green transition, exploring policy frameworks, challenges, and support mechanisms essential for environmental protection and sustainable business practices.
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vice Chairwoman, Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, said: “The workshop served as a valuable opportunity to connect women-owned and women-led enterprises in supporting industries and food processing sectors with experts, renewable energy solution providers, energy efficiency and low-carbon technology consultants, commercial banks, and domestic and international investment funds.”
Following this, two specialized training sessions titled “Empowering Businesses: Advancing Gender Equality in a Green Economy for Sustainable Development” were conducted in Da Nang, a coastal city in the centre of the country, on 27 June 2024 and in Hai Phong, in the north, on 25 July 2024. These cities, recognized as key economic and transportation hubs, also face significant challenges due to their vulnerability to climate change.
Group discussion during the training on 27 June 2024 in Da Nang. Photo: Courtesy of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council.
The trainings were attended by 65 women entrepreneurs and aimed to equip them with knowledge on the green transition, the criteria for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessment, and international business trends. Participants were introduced to various tools for mainstreaming gender equality and advancing women’s economic empowerment—key elements in fostering sustainable business development.
Reflecting on her experience at the Hai Phong training, Duong Quynh Ngoc (Alissa), chief executive of ATES GLOBAL, remarked: “The seminar provided me with fundamental insights into the roles and responsibilities of gender in production, reproduction, and corporate governance. This understanding is particularly relevant for women-operated enterprises, helping to create a more balanced approach to life and career. I also valued the opportunity to network with experienced female entrepreneurs and learn from their management expertise.”
To overcome these challenges, there is a pressing need for enhanced support mechanisms that encourage businesses to adopt green practices. This includes fostering a deeper commitment and understanding of green transformation and gender equality among business leaders. Increasing awareness and providing more comprehensive training on ESG principles, gender equality, and sustainable development are crucial. Expanding the duration and depth of training sessions will help businesses better grasp and implement these concepts. Additionally, developing accessible green finance solutions and preferential financial support for entrepreneurs will be vital in promising sustainable business practices and facilitating the green transition in Viet Nam.
The events were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with UNEP through the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme, jointly implemented with UN Women.
The workshop “Green Transition: The Role of Women and Women-led Enterprises” received additional support through the project “Promoting Energy Saving and Efficient Use in Supporting Industries and Food Processing Industries in Vietnam,” implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services.
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