Overview
The “Promoting gender mainstreaming in NTP-SEDEMA: Policy recommendations” report, a collaborative effort by the Viet Nam Women’s Union, the Ethnic Council of the National Assembly, the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, and the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, with technical assistance from CARE International in Viet Nam and the World Bank, focuses on integrating considerations for different population groups into the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (NTP-EMMA) for 2021-2030. The document aims to provide information and propose approaches, principles, and specific actions to ensure that the Program brings about meaningful changes and addresses disparities in these regions. It emphasizes an inclusive approach, ensuring that no one is left behind, with particular attention paid to vulnerable groups.
Key Findings
- Disparities in Livelihood and Work: Individuals in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, particularly certain groups, face more limited access to improved livelihoods and income-earning opportunities. Many are primarily engaged in agricultural activities with low productivity.
- Barriers to Paid Employment: There are significant obstacles for individuals in these areas to access paid employment. Lower rates of training and cultural barriers contribute to these challenges.
- Education Gaps: Disparities exist in access to education, affecting future opportunities.
- Healthcare Access: Unequal access to healthcare services is also a concern in these regions.
- Infrastructure Access: Access to essential infrastructure varies, impacting daily life and development.
Policy Recommendations
- Comprehensive Integration: Ensure that considerations for different population groups are integrated into all projects and stages of the NTP-EMMA, from planning to monitoring.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate specific budgets for activities that address disparities, ensuring these initiatives are not overlooked.
- Clear Indicators: Identify measurable indicators for all projects to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to promote equitable development.
- Promote Participation: Ensure the active involvement of all community members in the planning, implementation, and supervision of the Programme, consistent with a “for the interest, participation, and benefits of people” approach.
- Strengthen Oversight: Promote the roles of socio-political organizations in supervising and providing feedback on the implementation of related activities within the Programme.
- Improve Access to Services: Establish mechanisms to improve access to essential public and social services for individuals in ethnic minority areas.
- Support Local Leadership: Provide support to enhance the capabilities of local officials, helping them take on managing positions within the political system.
- Targeted Livelihood Development: Within Project 3 (livelihood development), create equal opportunities for all individuals to access better livelihoods and income, including specific budget allocations for projects benefiting vulnerable households or groups.
To ensure that the National Target Programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2021-2030 catalyses meaningful changes and fundamentally address gender inequality in EMMA, the Viet Nam Women’s Union, in cooperation with the Ethnic Council of the National Assembly, Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs under technical assistance provided by CARE International in Viet Nam and the World Bank, produces this document to provide information and propose gender mainstreaming approach, principles and contents to the National Target Programme.