Empowering women, creating a foundation for development

In the context of digital transformation and the strong development of digital-based economic models, Vietnamese women are both the driving force of growth and the group most deeply affected. Not only do they contribute to maintaining livelihoods and family stability, they also play an important role in socio-economic development and preserving community cultural values. However, to fully exploit that potential, women need to be more empowered, better protected and have more equal opportunities in accessing development resources.

Women who work for freedom have little protection.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Hoa, Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology and Psychology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) proposed that enhancing women's economic empowerment needs to be implemented synchronously at many levels, from perfecting institutions and policies to specific implementation at the local level.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Hoa, Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology and Psychology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences ), said that in the development picture of the modern economy, women are still present in many different classes and fields, from offices to traditional markets, from businesses to small streets. They are both workers and those who maintain the foundation of the family. Most notably, the group of women who earn a living independently, this is a labor force that makes practical contributions to the urban economy, but is a group that is not guaranteed rights and social security. They often work without contracts, are not insured, have unstable incomes and have difficulty accessing social security policies. Although they contribute a lot to society, their rights are still not guaranteed accordingly.

According to research by Associate Professor Dang Thi Hoa, currently, self-employed women are taking on a major role in maintaining family livelihoods. They do simple jobs such as small businesses, housekeepers, street vendors, hourly workers, etc. and face many risks. When the market fluctuates or a crisis occurs, they are the most vulnerable group.

Despite the challenges they face, independent women still demonstrate resilience and adaptability. They proactively seek opportunities, learn new skills, and use technology to improve their livelihoods. More and more women are using smartphones to sell online, find jobs through apps, or form community groups to support each other. These small changes demonstrate their aspirations and great potential if supported in the right direction. These changes reflect the great potential of women if given the right conditions to develop.

Associate Professor Dang Thi Hoa said that in the context of the digital economy, “empowering” women is not only about creating jobs but also about creating opportunities to access knowledge, skills and social security. Policies aimed at women need to be more substantive, designed to suit the income conditions and needs of each group. Freelance workers need to participate in voluntary social insurance, have preferential loan policies, and receive vocational and digital skills training. When women have the right to make economic decisions, they not only improve their lives but also contribute to building sustainable families and a stable society.

Policy for women's development and integration

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Hoa, enhancing women's economic power needs to be implemented synchronously at many levels, from perfecting institutions and policies to specific implementation at the local level. Local authorities can play an important role in supporting women in vocational training, accessing capital, developing small business models and linking production. Therefore, it is necessary to expand preferential loan programs, encourage the establishment of cooperatives and women's start-up groups, helping them to proactively produce, save and manage finances.

When given the opportunity to create their own jobs, women will be confident and seen as equal partners in economic development; linking gender equality with digital transformation, supporting women to access technology, and improving their skills in using online platforms will not only help them adapt to market changes, but also open up new directions in e-commerce and the creative economy. When equipped with digital skills, women can proactively develop their careers and connect to the market without being limited by space or time.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen social security policies for women, especially the self-employed. Participating in health insurance, pension insurance, and flexible maternity regimes will help women feel more secure when working, while minimizing risks in life. Such concern not only demonstrates social responsibility but is also the foundation for achieving real gender equality.

Sharing the same view with Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Hoa, Dr. Hoang Vu Linh Chi, lecturer at the University of Economics (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) said that economic empowerment for women is the key to unleashing the full potential of the female workforce. When women are educated, employed and encouraged to start their own businesses, the economy not only has more human resources but also more motivation for creativity and innovation.

Policies to support women also need to pay more attention to access to capital and vocational training. She proposed expanding microfinance programs, livelihood funds or small credit support for women, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Along with that, it is necessary to promote training programs on digital skills, business skills and financial management to help women confidently take charge of their own work.

Dr. Hoang Vu Linh Chi, lecturer at the University of Economics (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) commented that digital transformation is not only a challenge but also a great opportunity for women to participate in the flexible labor market.

According to Dr. Hoang Vu Linh Chi, digital transformation is not only a challenge but also a great opportunity for women to participate in the flexible labor market. If trained and supported to access technology, women can absolutely succeed in new employment models such as e-commerce, online business or providing innovative services. At the same time, the coordination between the State, enterprises and social organizations in realizing gender equality policies, joining hands in training, creating jobs and ensuring social security, women will no longer be a disadvantaged group but will become a pioneering force in economic development. Enhancing women's economic power is creating a driving force for the community. A sustainable society is one in which women can study, work, contribute and be honored.

Dr. Hoang Vu Linh Chi added that the journey of empowering women needs to start with understanding and companionship. Every policy and every small act of support, if it comes from sympathy and respect, can create big changes. When women are stronger economically, society will also have a more solid foundation for development.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/trao-quyen-nhieu-hon-cho-phu-nu-tao-nen-tang-phat-trien-20251019171711079.htm