The Australian government will initiate a programme to empower the women of Son La and Lao Cai provinces |
The Australian government will invest $33.7 million through the new Aus4Equality programme, focusing on Son La and Lao Cai provinces in the north-west of Vietnam.
The mountainous north-west Vietnam is home to diverse ethnic minorities and has some of the highest levels of poverty and inequality in the country. Women in these areas are particularly disadvantaged, experiencing challenges such as isolation, lower levels of education, and a lack of decision-making power in their households and community, which prevent them from accessing economic opportunities.
Aus4Equality will empower local women to better engage in agriculture and tourism activities, as well as enhance women’s voice in decision-making, promote partnerships with the private sector, and support more inclusive government policies and services.
The programme will help to improve the lives of women, their families, and local communities, and contribute to improved productivity and economic growth in the region.
The empowerment of women and girls is a priority for Australia’s development assistance and a key pillar of Australia’s engagement in Vietnam.
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