Supporting women to recover livelihoods and prevent violence after COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang

[Press release]

 

Ha Noi, Viet Nam — The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang Province Women's Union, and supported by the Australian Government, shared the outcomes and lessons learned from assisting 3,591 women in challenging circumstances. This effort aimed to help them recover and develop their livelihoods while minimizing the risk of violence after the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project, titled "Emergency Response and Livelihood Recovery Support after COVID-19 for Women at Risk of Violence" was funded with 1.46 million USD by the Australian Government and implemented from 2022 to 2024. Its primary goal was to support the economic resilience of women severely affected by COVID-19 and enhance the capacity of local organizations to respond to and prevent violence against women, especially during emergencies. After two years, the project has achieved significant results, including:

• 3,591 women received cash assistance of 5.5 million VND each and technical support to rebuild their livelihoods, positively impacting approximately 14,300 household members.
• 250 agencies and organizations from government and civil society networks in Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang were trained on the Essential Service Package (ESP) for Women and Girls Subject to Violence.
• 2,000 service providers received capacity-building training in ESP, and 500 providers received information card support to ensure they can offer 24/7 assistance to those experiencing violence against women and children.
• Two million people were reached through national television and radio programs, press agencies, social networks, and media events on topics related to ending violence against women and children.

UN Women partnered with the Tien Giang and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union, Viet Nam Red Cross, and Centre for Women and Development to implement the project.

Participants discussing their experience with the Project’s support and activities during a reflection exercise at the event. Photo: UN Women/Thao Hoang

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thy, a beneficiary from Tien Giang province, used the 5.5 million VND she received to successfully raise goats. She bought three goats and food with the funds and received guidance from the Project on goat care. Her goat herd is now growing well. Ms. Thy expressed, "Without this support, I would have struggled and not known how to escape poverty."

At the closing ceremony, Caroline T. Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Viet Nam, stated, "The project is a demonstration of how an integrated solution, implemented with dedicated and experienced partners, with the active engagement of those affected, can meaningfully address the multi-dimensional impacts of crises on women and their families." She praised the resilient efforts of women in Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang, who have overcome numerous challenges left by the COVID-19 pandemic to restore their lives and contribute to their communities.

Australia’s Consul-General, Ms. Sarah Hooper, highlighted the collaboration between partners in delivering the project. “Australia is deeply committed to progressing gender equality, globally and here in Viet Nam. The livelihoods recovery program in the southern provinces exemplifies how partners working together can make a real change for women at risk.”

A project beneficiary showcases her products to Sarah Hooper, Australia’s Consul-General (furthest on the left), Caroline T. Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Viet Nam (furthest on the right) and Project’s officers at the closing ceremony of the event. Photo: UN Women/Thao Hoang

Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Hoa, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh Women’s Union, emphasized, "To continue the initial achievements of the project, the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union will organize activities and technical training classes, support access to capital, and continue guiding women on using the capital effectively to restore their livelihoods within the Union's framework."