Women in Vietnam: A Journey of Empowerment and Equality
ABROADER February 19, 2025 7 minutes read
Vietnam, a country with a rich history and culture, has seen a transformative shift in the role of women over the years…
Vietnam, a country with a rich history and culture, has seen a transformative shift in the role of women over the years. Once confined to traditional roles, women in Vietnam today are challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in every aspect of life – from education to the workforce and beyond.
A Glimpse Into the Past: Tradition and Limitations
In traditional Vietnamese culture, the role of women was largely restricted to the home. Rooted in Confucianism, the society confined women to domestic duties. They were expected to marry, manage the household, and raise the next generation. Although women’s contributions were crucial to family life, their personal aspirations often took a backseat to family obligations.
The Power of Education: Unlocking Potential
Past – Education Was A Privilege, Not A Right
In traditional Vietnam, access to education for women was not a given. In rural areas, especially, sending daughters to school was not a priority. Instead, girls were expected to stay at home and prepare for their roles as wives and mothers. Boys, on the other hand, were more likely to receive formal education.
Present – Education as a Pathway to Empowerment
The government has put significant effort into promoting education for all, regardless of gender, and this focus has made a positive impact on the lives of countless women.
The government facilitates education for women in mountainous and rural areas.
More women are pursuing higher education than ever before, unlocking a world of opportunities. Whether it’s in business, technology, or social enterprises, women are gaining the knowledge and confidence to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact. The quality of education for women has improved, with more scholarships and programs supporting young girls from rural areas.
The rise in female literacy and educational attainment is not only a milestone for women but is also driving the country’s economic and social progress.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Women in Business
Past – Limited Workforce Participation
In earlier times, Vietnamese women’s roles in the workforce were confined to agricultural work, domestic service, and light industry. While they contributed significantly to the country’s economy, their participation was often undervalued. In rural areas, women worked alongside men in farming, but their labor was typically seen as supplementary rather than central to economic production.
Vietnamese women were trading in the market.
Present – Women Leading the Charge in Business and Beyond
As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow and modernize, more women are breaking into fields that were once considered male-dominated. The rise of women in leadership positions across industries like business, technology, and government is an encouraging sign of progress.
The workforce in Vietnam is thriving with female leaders. Whether running businesses, excelling in government, or launching innovative startups, women are proving that their impact is limitless.
Inspiring Vietnamese Women: Achievements In Every Sector
Vietnam has a growing list of women who have defied expectations and overcome obstacles to achieve success in their respective fields. These women, along with countless others, are proving that with determination and vision, women in Vietnam can achieve remarkable success in any field.
Women in Politics: Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan – Former Chairwoman of the National Assembly
Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is a Vietnamese economist and politician.
She is the first woman in national history to head the country’s legislature, serving as the eleventh Chair of the National Assembly of Vietnam from 2016 to 2021.
Women in Business: Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao – Founder of Vietjet Air
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is the Founder of Vietjet Air – one of the largest low-cost airlines in Vietnam.
She is well-known as the first self-made female billionaire in Southeast Asia and has held the position of Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Director and General Director of Vietjet for many years.
Women in Sport: Nguyen Thi Anh Vien – A Vietnamese Swimmer
Known as The little mermaid, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien won Vietnam’s first-ever medal in swimming at the 2014 Asian Games.
Participating in the SEA Games 27 in Myanmar, Anh Vien got six medals in total including three gold, two silver and one bronze; broke two Sea Games records in 200m backstroke and 400m medley; and was voted the “Golden Impression of SEA Games 27”.
Women in Education: Nguyen Thi Mo – Founder of ABROADER Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Mo (Lucy Nguyen) is the Founder / CEO of ABROADER, a women-led education company in Vietnam.
The organization focused on international education and community development, bringing international students to Vietnam for internships, faculty-led programs, semester exchanges, and service learning. Over the past 10 years, ABROADER has hosted more than 1,000 international students from over 30 countries and helped over 600 local students join the programs.
With its growing network and strong partnerships, ABROADER provides students with invaluable, hands-on opportunities to engage in community development efforts across Vietnam, making a lasting difference in both local and global communities.
Challenges Women Still Face: The Road to Full Equality
While tremendous progress has been made, challenges still persist in the fight for gender equality in Vietnam. Women continue to face several barriers that hinder their full potential:
Gender Pay Gap: Despite the increase in women’s participation in the workforce, the gender pay gap remains a persistent issue. Women often earn less than men in similar roles, particularly in leadership positions.
Representation in Leadership Roles: Although women have made strides in business and government, they remain underrepresented in high-ranking leadership roles. This lack of representation can limit women’s influence in decision-making and policy formulation.
Cultural Barriers and Gender Norms: In some parts of Vietnam, traditional gender roles still influence women’s potential. Women are often expected to prioritize family life over career ambitions, which can limit their educational and professional growth. These societal expectations remain a significant challenge, especially in rural areas.
Work-Life Balance: Women often struggle to balance work and family life. Despite progress in workplace policies, the expectation that women should fulfill traditional roles at home continues to place an amount of stress on them. This “double burden” often leads to women sacrificing their own well-being to meet both career and family responsibilities.
Vietnam is on a path toward true gender equality. From the limitations of the past to the increasing presence of women in education, the workforce, and leadership roles, Vietnamese women are redefining their positions in society.
For those who are interested in women’s rights or gender equality, Vietnam presents an exciting case study. The country’s transformation offers valuable lessons in the power of perseverance, community, and empowerment. As Vietnam continues to evolve, the role of women will only grow stronger, and their influence will shape the nation’s future.
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