Illustrative image (Source: tuoitrethudo.com.vn)Hanoi (VNA) – A forum themed “Womenwill – Women in industrialrevolution 4.0” took place in Hanoi on January 17, seeking ways to help women acrossVietnam expand start-up activities and participate more deeply in the economy.
The event also offered a chance for experts and femaleentrepreneurs to share information and experience to make women more active andconfident to deal with challenges of the digital era.
Pham Duc Nghiem, deputy head of the National Agency forTechnology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Development under theMinistry of Science and Technology (MoST), said that women often face moredifficulties and barriers in work than men due to their responsibility fortheir family and social preconceptions.
The proportion of women gaining access to technology is alsolower than that of men, Nghiem added.
He said as the MoST is implementing the National Project toSupport Innovative Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam by 2025, the ministry hopes toreceive coordination of other agencies and organisations to encourage more start-upsby women.
Hoang Quang Phong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, said that the fourth Industrial Revolution is creatingnot only opportunities but also challenges, especially for micro and smallbusinesses, many of which are owned and managed by women.
Therefore, he asked female entrepreneurs to take theinitiative in accessing technology and building long-term development strategiesin order to catch up with the flow of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
An International Finance Corporation (IFC) report titled “Women-ownedEnterprises in Vietnam: Perceptions and Potential” indicated that businessesowned by women account for only 21 percent of the total.
However, the World Bank has underlined the potential offemale entrepreneurs in creating jobs and increasing incomes for millions ofpeople, thus contributing to socio-economic development.-VNA
VNA
