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Women's representation in the overall workforce in Vietnam is strong and growing, with the number of women-owned and women-run businesses increasing from 4% to 25% between 2009 and 2021. Yet, the percentage of female participation and female leadership positions in Vietnam's energy sector is limited. To close the gender gap and create equal opportunities for men and women in the energy sector, the country's largest power company, Electricity Vietnam (EVN), has developed its own gender equity plan. USAID, through its Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II (V-LEEP II) and Engendering Industries program, is improving EVN’s capacity to implement this plan. With USAID support, in September 2022, over 325 EVN leaders across the country received training on gender equality and learned international best practices, strengthening their commitment and motivation to pursue and implement more gender equitable policies and practices.

HANOI, November 22, 2022 – Today, the United States Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) announced a new initiative to spur private sector-driven sustainable and inclusive growth across Vietnam. The new initiative promotes socially-conscious business behavior, known as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Investors use ESG standards to measure how a company protects the environment; manages its relationships with workers, customers, and the communities where it operates; and employs transparent and accountable corporate governance. USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer and MPI Vice Minister Tran Quoc Phuong announced the ESG initiative at a USAID-supported business forum.