HANOI, March 7, 2014 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Vietnam Women’s Union, and the Hanoi Entrepreneur Women Association (HNEW) partnered to bring together female entrepreneurs from seven Northern provinces and Hanoi to share their experiences in business management and business start-up in connection with International Women’s Day. The event in Phu Tho province highlighted the importance of broader participation of women in society and the economy to strengthen Vietnam’s economic growth.  Women from a wide variety of industries and sectors spoke about their successes, challenges and recommendations in the current economic climate. 

“Women’s success in business contributes to many other successes for women and Vietnam’s development,” said USAID Vietnam Mission Director, Joakim Parker. “With our inclusive approach we aim to give women and girls expanded opportunities, which can lead to economic growth, reduced poverty and healthier and more resilient communities.”

The event emphasized the importance of drawing on the expertise of local women and leading local actors like the Vietnam Women’s Union.

"This is a meaningful activity to honor International Women’s Day. Its purpose is to develop the network and organizing capacity of women entrepreneurs as well as strengthen the linkage between women entrepreneurs and women's union units in the eight provinces and cities,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, Vietnam Women’s Union Vice President.

The event was attended by Vice Chairman of Phu Tho People’s Committee, Nguyen Dinh Cuc,  Vietnam Women’s Union Vice President Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, USAID’s Mission Director, VCCI and HNEW’s leadership.

The USAID Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy aims to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. USAID pursues an inclusive approach to foster equality, regardless of gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability.

International Women’s Day is March 8. This year’s U.N. theme for International Women’s Day is “Inspiring Change.” Promoting gender equality and inspiring change helps everyone – whether it is ending a conflict, running a business, developing a life-saving treatment, or rebuilding a country, women have an enormous amount to contribute. It is a core principle in USAID’s new cooperation strategy for Vietnam.

Click here for photos of the event.  Click here to read about USAID’s support for Gender Equality and Female Empowerment.