Gender Responsiveness in District and Department Competitiveness Index for Female Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Study in Two Mountainous Provinces of Vietnam

Abstract

Objective: The District and Department Competitiveness Index (DDCI) has its main focus on the development of Enterprises and Women Entrepreneurs, towards inclusive socio-economic growth and development. How about the level of gender responsiveness that DDCI has in reality? Theoretical Framework: The DDCI in a Vietnam-related initiative, which aims to assess the reality of economic management capacity and to improve the business environment in districts, cities and provincial departments in provinces/cities of Vietnam. The theoretical formation of it becomes a major source for analytical framework used. Method/design/approach: This study has been conducted in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, mainly based on measuring the DDCI in a survey of 1000-1500 samples in each of the two Vietnamese mountainous provinces throughout 2019 - 2022. Findings and conlusions are derived from the combination of the two approaches. Results and conclusion: From a gender perspective, we notice some major differences in the assessment of the business environment, the impact of natural disasters and epidemics, business prospects and confidence in the market's recovery for the genders. Research implications: This affects the viability of business models, the sustainable development of enterprises, and in the immediate future, the prospects for recovery of businesses that are owned and led by women, who have suffered from many disadvantages in work and life. Originality/value: The study provides effective tools to enliven a picture of local production, businesses and business environment, as an input for public policy evaluation and improvement.