The seminar is an activity under the Project "Promoting career and business development for youth and women", implemented by Aide et Action with professional support from the Research Center on Gender, Family and Environment in Development and with funding from the European Union (EU), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the L'Oréal Women's Support Fund in Lao Cai province.
The seminar was attended by delegates from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, Department of Culture of Lao Cai province; representatives of the Women's Union of Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces, gender experts and representatives from 16 communes and wards in the project area of Lao Cai province; high schools/vocational education centers and continuing education centers; startup models, initiatives and startup clubs from Lao Cai and Phu Tho.
In Vietnam, due to gender stereotypes about the division of labor as well as limitations in land ownership, inheritance of property, borrowing capital, or access to resources to start a business, women - especially ethnic minority women - are lacking equal opportunities in the economy and education.
Within the framework of the project, the Dialogue is an important event that creates a space for exchange and sharing of current situations and methods to promote gender equality in the fields of career guidance, vocational training, employment and entrepreneurship in Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces.
At the same time, the Seminar aims to discuss effective approaches in mainstreaming and promoting gender equality, in order to summarize lessons learned, approaches and the ability to adjust and apply among partners participating in project implementation. This contributes significantly to eliminating gender barriers, creating opportunities for women and youth to access professions and participate in the local startup ecosystem.
After more than 2 years of implementation, the project has carried out a series of gender-integrated activities to enhance the personal capacity of participants, while promoting the building of sustainable relationships between individuals and the community through a series of communication events as well as building a favorable environment, creating institutional and policy conditions and eliminating gender-biased practices.
When the Project was implemented, more than 44 schools and 25,000,000 students at high schools and vocational training centers in the project area participated in the pilot integration of gender into career guidance, experience and vocational training activities, helping them better understand their interests and future career orientation. More than 600 young people were trained in knowledge and skills for workers as well as knowledge related to starting a business. More than 10,000,000 young people participated in job fairs and 28 models were supported with capital to start a business with a total support of more than 1 billion VND. Thereby, each individual can promote their own inner strength, as well as build a sustainable development community, to promote and develop local identity values.
Ms. Nguyen Kim Thuy - Director of the Center for Gender, Family and Environment in Development (CGFED) shared: “We believe that, after more than two years of implementing the Project, the greatest achievement lies not only in the numbers but also in the change in awareness and the promotion of the inner strength of each individual. Each woman and youth in the project area has been provided with knowledge, skills and more importantly, the confidence to proactively seize opportunities. From there, they can be proactive in starting a business, connecting, and building a network in a sustainable and long-term manner. This discussion is a testament to the efforts to build a favorable environment where gender barriers are removed, to promote sustainable community development. We will continue to accompany the locality to maximize the unique local values and identities, turning them into competitive advantages and sustainable livelihoods for the people.”
Speaking at the event, Ms. Dao Mai Hoa - Senior Expert of the Women Entrepreneurs Council, VCCI - Former Deputy Head of the Economic - Social Department, Vietnam Women's Union, Former General Secretary of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Association - highly appreciated the program design. She said that the Project has built a solid foundation for the intervention program from community-based models to become policy solutions.
Participating in the discussion, Ms. Vu Thi Tan - Representative of the Project Management Board of Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union shared about the activities of the Union: "Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union has made efforts to mobilize and effectively exploit resources from programs, projects, businesses, banks and international organizations to support livelihoods and start-ups for women and youth, especially in ethnic minority areas. At the same time, promoting communication to raise public awareness of gender equality, contributing to eliminating prejudices and gender stereotypes in families and society. In addition, the Union focuses on diversifying market support, including providing information, consulting, trade promotion and promoting the application of digital technology in business".
The active participation of local authorities, partners, experts and stakeholders in the Dialogue is a testament to the strong commitment and companionship of the parties in promoting gender equality. The Dialogue is not only a stop to share experiences but also an important step in integrating gender into vocational training, career guidance and socio-economic development programs in ethnic minority and mountainous areas 2021-2030. With the solutions and recommendations summarized, the Dialogue promises to open up a future where women and youth, especially ethnic minority women in Lao Cai and Phu Tho, can equally access career and start-up opportunities, thereby changing their economic and social position in a sustainable way.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-trong-huong-nghiep-day-nghe-va-khoi-nghiep-tai-lao-cai.html
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