A project funded by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) has produced positive effects on the improvement of the role and power of women in economic development in the south central province of Ninh Thuan. 

Le Van Binh, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Thuan provincial People’s Committee, speaks
at the closing workshop on the “Enhancing Opportunities for Women's Enterprises”.
(Photo: VNA)

According to Le Van Binh, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, over the past five years, thanks to the “Enhancing Opportunities for Women's Enterprises” (FLOW/EOWE) project, public awareness of gender equality in the locality has been enhanced.

Specifically, 90 percent of women in three cooperatives in Ninh Thuan that are covered by the project have engaged in the making of decision related to family spending. More women have taken the leading role in production teams and joined community activities, while getting their husbands share housework.

The project has helped local women become more confident and self-reliant in economy, and get deeper understanding of smart agricultural production and climate change response, Binh said.

At the same time, women-led enterprises have also received support from the SNV.

Initial statistics showed that three SNV-assisted cooperatives have enjoyed 30-50% rise in income.

FLOW/EOWE has been implemented in Vietnam since 2016 in four provinces of Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Binh Dinh and Quang Binh.

According to Peter Loach, SNV Country Director in Vietnam, the FLOW/EOWE project aims to help narrow gender gap by focusing on three main pillars: changing gender norms, creating favourable conditions for women to access economic activities, and enhancing the capacity of Government agencies and relevant partners in improving and implementing gender-related policies and women empowerment.

The SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation. Founded in the Netherlands in 1965, the SNV has been working in Vietnam since 1995. It has marked its presence in over 30 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.