Improving opportunity for Mekong women's participation in economic development

A forum for partners from across the region on “ASEAN integration and women’s economic empowerment in the Mekong” is being held by the Australian Government in Hanoi on August 27-28.

The forum, first of this type to be held in the Mekong region, focuses on how women here can reach their full economic and social potential.

It is also an important channel of discussion between multiple stakeholders to ensure women get the most out of economic development in the context of ASEAN integration.

ASEAN integration can be a huge boost for women’s economic participation. However, gaps caused by gender inequality such as access to finance, business skills and markets can slow down economic growth. The United Nations has valued the “gap” caused by women “missing” economic participation at USD89 billion in the Asia Pacific each year.

Women can encounter multiple barriers such as unequal laws, inability to meet collateral requirements due to lack of property ownership, harassment in the public sphere, and insufficient business knowledge, capacity and financial literacy. They also face both direct and indirect discrimination because of gender stereotyping. Traditional beliefs which undervalue women’s capacities and potential are an invisible barrier to their participation.

“Gender equality is not only an obligation towards collecting accurate development statistics, but rather a sensible opportunity, as the benefits of including women will pay off with tangible value added in the long term”, said Cambodian Minister for Women’s Affairs, Dr Ing Khanthaphavy, who is also a key-note speaker at the forum.

As part of a general ASEAN trend, Vietnam has been actively promoting gender equality, empowerment, and women’s economic participation in Vietnam.

Besides, the event, which takes place under the framework of the Australia-Mekong NGO Engagement Platform (AMNEP), is also an opportunity for participants to share their experiences as women social leaders and entrepreneurs from all sectors...

The Australian Government is strongly committed to supporting women’s economic empowerment in the Mekong region.

(Source: CPV)