• Ambassador of Vietnam to SL Trinh Thi Tam on how hardships through history have made women stronger

This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Over the decades, we have witnessed significant collaborations across various sectors, enriching both the countries. A notable aspect of Vietnam’s socio-economic landscape is the remarkable participation of women in the workforce. 

As of 2023, women constitute approximately 48.6% of the total labour force, reflecting a substantial contribution to Vietnam’s impressive economic growth, averaging around 7% since 1990. 

In celebration of the International Women’s Month (March), on ‘Kaleidoscope’ this week, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam discussed how Vietnamese women have become an economic force in Vietnam, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.

Following are excerpts from the interview: 

Vietnamese women have historically played a significant role in Vietnam’s development. How has their role evolved in terms of work, business, and leadership?

Vietnamese women have played an important role in national defence and development. In the old days, they used to manage households and work in traditional sectors like agriculture or the family business. When the country was at war, they joined the national struggle for independence and unification. 

After the war, when work resumed, they actively entered the workforce and have since then been working in major sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and husbandry and even in State enterprises.

Since the economic reforms in Vietnam in the 1980s, Vietnamese women have been in business, leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contributing significantly to the economy through leadership. Now, we see more and more women holding political and executive positions at both the central and local levels. So, despite some obstacles, there is ongoing progress in gender equality, business, and leadership.

What are the key industries that Vietnamese women are engaged in and how have they contributed to economic growth?

Vietnamese women have participated in many key industries of Vietnam’s economy; agriculture, hospitality, and fisheries, to name a few. They support food security and the export industry as well. 

In the manufacturing and textile sectors, they form the backbone of Vietnam’s garment industry and have helped to bring Vietnam into the group of leading garment exporters in the world. Retail and trade sectors also see higher female labour compositions, boosting local economies. 

Today, more women are entering technology and startups, shaping Vietnam’s digital economy. Even in the tourism and hospitality sectors they contribute a lot, helping to encourage international tourism to Vietnam. In addition, there’s an increasing number of Vietnamese women working overseas, bringing benefits to the country. 

Vietnamese women’s contribution to these key industries has strengthened the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), created jobs, and enhanced Vietnam’s global competitiveness.

Vietnam has one of the highest female-led labour force participation in the world in this region. What are the cultural and societal factors that enable such a strong presence of women in the workforce?

Women account for half of Vietnam’s population and more than 60% of Vietnam’s labour force. This is a relatively high rate compared to the global average of about 47% and the Asia-Pacific average of nearly 44%. 

Vietnamese women now account for more than 30% of seats in Vietnam’s current national assembly. This is a high number in history. Women hold about 60% of managing positions at the Ministry level; our Vice President is a woman, and we have four female Ministers and four female Deputy Ministers.

There are some cultural and societal factors explaining the increasing participation of Vietnamese women in the workforce. The first factor is gender equality and the women empowerment policies of the Government. The second factor is the true liberation of women from traditional practices and from the belief that women should stay at home and look after the household and children. 

The third factor is the rapid economic development of Vietnam that requires an increased participation of the labour force. The fourth factor is Government support for labour rights and the social measures to help women ensure the work-family balance, including subsidised work.

Does the Vietnamese Government have specific policies or incentives to attract more women into the workforce or lead at the leadership level and into entrepreneurship as well as to pursue careers? 

Yes, for sure. The Vietnamese Government has introduced various policies and incentives to support women in careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership, especially those in remote, mountainous, and rural areas. These efforts focus on improving women’s access to education and training, while promoting their representation in political and business leadership. 

The law on gender equality ensures equal rights and SMEs receive financial aid and training, particularly for female entrepreneurs. Leadership quotas help increase female representation in politics and administration. Maternity leave policies and childcare support make it easier for women to balance work and family. A significant recent change is the gradual increase in the retirement age for women from 55 to 60, applied year by year. 

Altogether, these efforts continue to strengthen women’s roles in careers, business, and leadership.

What views does Vietnamese society have on working women? Are there any social, cultural, and traditional barriers?

In general, Vietnamese society values working women because they contribute not only to the economy but also to supporting their families. This practice is especially common in major Cities, including the Capital Hanoi, and the Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam. 

However, in some remote and rural areas, deep-rooted cultural norms still place high expectations on women, often prioritising family and household duties. In some sectors, such as leadership roles, technology, and politics, women may face barriers like gender bias, limited promotion opportunities, and societal pressure to balance work and family. 

While progress in women’s empowerment is happening actively in Vietnam, traditional views on gender roles still persist.

How does gender equality in the workplace pan out? Is there equality of pay? Do women also have the same opportunities for promotion and career advancement?

Gender equality in Vietnam's workplace has improved significantly. Women are represented across industries and are increasingly gaining equal pay and opportunities for promotion. The Vietnamese Government has also strengthened its legal framework to ensure gender equality. 

Men and women graduate at roughly the same rate at the post-secondary level and Vietnam is one of the few Asian countries that has successfully translated gender parity in education into equal participation in the labour force.

However, cultural norms and biases can still limit women’s career advancement, especially in senior administrative roles, political positions, and male-dominated fields. Maternity leave policies are supported, but some employers may see them as a disadvantage.

While progress is ongoing, more initiatives are being introduced to promote gender equality and address the remaining challenges, even if they are minor.

Vietnamese women are known for their resilience and a very strong work ethic. Have there been any cultural influences that can actually make this mindset?

Vietnamese women are incredibly resilient, not just in the workplace but also within their families and society. This resilience is deeply rooted in cultural and historical factors.

Vietnam has endured a long history of war and economic struggles, including the impact of conflicts involving Western countries. These hardships have shaped a society where women have had to take on greater responsibilities in both family and public life. 

During wartime, women became soldiers, labourers, and leaders. In the post-war period, they played a crucial role in rebuilding the country. Today, we see modern Vietnamese women excelling not only in their families but also in society, holding high positions in politics and administration.

The image of hard-working Vietnamese women has been reinforced through folktales, poetry, and national heroes. Figures like Hai Bà Trưng – often referred to as the Trưng Sisters – are celebrated for their strength and leadership.

This legacy of resilience and empowerment continues across generations, especially on important occasions like the International Women’s Day and the Vietnamese Women’s Day.

Worldwide, balancing work and family is very challenging for women. How do Vietnamese women actually manage their professional lives and family lives?

Vietnamese women often manage their professional and personal lives with the support of a strong network. Some rely on grandparents or the extended family for child care, while others hire domestic helpers, similar to Sri Lanka. Nowadays, more working mothers are choosing careers in education or child care, with some receiving Government subsidies.

Vietnam’s family-focused laws on child care and maternity aim to help women maintain a work-life balance. Our labour laws prioritise female employees’ health, family responsibilities, job security, and gender equality, and employers are required to uphold these protections. 

There have also been improvements, including adjusted work conditions during pregnancy and greater workplace flexibility. Still, many women continue to face pressure in balancing professional and family roles. Vietnamese society, while evolving, still holds onto certain traditional norms and expectations.

What lessons can Sri Lanka, and even other countries, learn from Vietnam’s approach to empowering women in business and in leadership?

I think that Vietnam and Sri Lanka can share many experiences and lessons in women’s affairs. One key area is the approach to integrating gender equality into national development strategies. Another is Government support for women through strong legal policies.

This includes initiatives like providing micro-finance for female entrepreneurs and incentives to encourage women in education, training, and career advancement. To achieve this, we can promote educational programmes and policy dialogue through Governmental collaboration.

As an Ambassador, what would be your key message about Vietnamese women’s contribution to society? And, how do you think that Sri Lanka and Vietnam can collaborate to empower more women’s equality as well as empowerment in the workplace?

I would like to emphasise the significant contribution of women to our country’s social and economic development, not just in Vietnam or Sri Lanka, but across the world. Women are the pillars of families and society. They play a crucial role in economic growth, leadership, and cultural heritage, demonstrating resilience and determination. Most importantly, their contributions are widely recognised by both families and society. 

Collaboration between Vietnam and Sri Lanka on women’s affairs will focus on sharing ideas, best practices, policies, and strategies in gender equality. This includes promoting empowerment, increasing workforce participation and launching joint initiatives in education, business and leadership training – not just for women, but for the benefit of all.

(The writer is the host, director, and co-producer of the weekly digital programme ‘Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo’ which can be viewed on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. She has over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and social media)