EuroCham launches a new committee to promote women in business

The Women in Business Sector Committee will promote gender equality through EuroCham activities

Established on April 28, the committee aims to advance gender equality, raise awareness, and build skills to effectively lead across cultures and genders throughout workplaces and business organisations in a sustainable manner, as well as recognizing this as a business opportunity.

Members of the committee include organisations and individuals committed to advancing gender equality in the workplace and in business organisations.

Studies show that greater gender equality is good for business. The business world has yet to fully embrace the full potential from the offers of gender balance, and so the competitive edge lies in first-mover advantage. Therefore, the WIB SC will provide an influential platform to advocate for gender equality in Vietnam to make European companies more competitive.

Elaine Chew (left) and Atty-Roos IJsendijk, co-chairs of the WIB SC Atty-Roos IJsendijk and Elaine Chew, co-chairs of the WIB SC, said that, “Gender equality is a great business opportunity, an opportunity for growth and better business performance. This is key to building organisations of the future. Better representation in the boardroom will not just help to make our companies more competitive – essential though this is – it will also help to make society more equal. Therefore, gender equality is a true ‘win-win’ for both the public and private sector. Vietnam has a positive record on gender equality in the law. However, there is always more that can be done. Our committee will work with both government and business to share best practices to help improve diversity and increase representation for the benefit of all.”

Alain Cany, chairman of EuroCham, added that, “Vietnam is well known for some of its powerful women in business and in finance. But this is the tree that hides in the forest.

EuroCham’s new Women in Business Sector Committee will provide an invaluable platform from which to inspire the next generation of female business leaders and improve the representation of women at all levels.

Gender equality is good for business. So EuroCham is proud to lead the discussion on how we can increase opportunities for women, improve conditions in the workplace, and make our companies more equal and competitive in the process.”

This is now more important than ever: With the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in force, more European companies will be trading with and investing in Vietnam. One of the first priorities for the WIB SC will be to advocate for a successful implementation of Chapter 13 of the EVFTA.

In particular, it will aim to facilitate an inclusive and diverse business environment in Vietnam with equality between genders regarding participation as well as leadership roles across different sectors and industries, maximising the complementary differences and strengths between all genders.

The committee will also focus on addressing sexual harassment in the workplace; mentoring young professional women; encouraging women to enter fields where women are typically underrepresented such as technology, construction and agriculture; and advocating for legislative changes to create real incentives for businesses to promote women to leadership positions and ensure gender equality.