Vietnam pledges to promote Investing in Women Initiative

The seminar on Investing in Women Initiative, part of the activities of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 50), was chaired by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and attended by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and representatives of female entrepreneurs from Australia, and other ASEAN nations.

Minh welcomed and highly valued the pioneering role of the Government of Australia in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the region.

Support for the participation and enhancement of women role at micro-, small- & medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is an effective way to give more power to women in socio-economic development while boosting the sustainable growth and development of MSMEs, contributing to the development of prosperity of nations, Minh affirmed.

The Investing in Women programme is an initiative of the Australian government, worth 46 million AUD. It aims to empower women in socio-economic activities in Asian – Pacific nations.

The programme provides financial assistance for MSMEs, develops legal framework, and establish female entrepreneur’s alliance, thus creating a favourable condition, job opportunities, and enhancing the role and participation of women in socio-economic development.

It also aims to create more education opportunities for girls.