Briefing Note on the Situation of Ethnic Minority Women and Girls in Viet Nam

The gender gap among ethnic minorities and between ethnic minorities and the Kinh (the largest group) is wide and persistent, especially in regards to education and health. Ethnic minorities are disadvantaged compared to the majority of the population in terms of education and employment, mobility, access to financial services, productive resources such as land, and access to market due to stereotypes and other cultural barriers. Among ethnic minority people, women and girls are the most disadvantaged groups in terms of access to opportunities, resources and raising voices as social norms belittle and confine them to reproductive activities and household production. Intersecting patterns of inequalities based on sex and on ethnicity further increase the risk of social exclusion and marginalization of ethnic minority women and girls.

The briefing note brings out the current situation of ethnic minority women and girls in different areas including education, economic status, health, gender based violence and other harmful practices, representation and access to services/opportunities where. In addition, the briefing note provides information on government response and recommendations to reduce the marginalization of ethnic minority women and girls. The intended users of this kit are first and foremost policy makers and programme practitioners, as well as researchers and other stakeholders working on gender equality and ethnic minority development.