Position Change of Vietnamese Women in Macrocell Economic Policy Reform Episode: Comparative Analysis of Secondary Data

Abstract

Macroeconomic transition is toward sustainable growth and equality in all eco- nomic-social livelihoods. Women – the important population force – participate in most economic-social activities and are the “fire-keeper” of any family as the cell for society. Women’s roles refects the important achievements in society advance- ment and gender equality. In this paper, we summarize some findings from our research with UN Women on the impact of macroeconomic reform on women roles over 10 years, such as (i) the overall economic conditions and living standards have been much more improved, which directly benefit women and their families (ii) women in Vietnam have generally been treated equally to men in almost all aspects; (iii) women capacities have been improved over time, thanks to access to education and resources; (iv) the Women’s Union plays an important role in ensuring the ben- eficiaries and activities of women in general. However, several issues created the challenges for development of women in the next period, such as (i) less spending proportion for education and health; (ii) women still have to face the burden of houseworkss, particularly childcare and household farmings; (iii) women lag behind men in their participation in industrial employment and are concentrated in agriculture and services. The recommendations for related stakeholders are settled for more gender equality in terms of quality in the future. It is important for sus- tainable development which results from macroeconomic reform.