The I am Strong project works to increase the confidence, leadership acumen, and knowledge of female factory workers to improve their occupational well-being and more dignified working conditions by working with communities and factories.

Background

There are more than 2 million workers in industrial and export processing zones in Vietnam, of which more than 70% are women. In the garment sector particularly, female factory workers are often subjected to a number of pervasive challenges, both within factories and in the communities where they live in. For example, employers often impose stricter discipline on female workers as compared to their male colleagues. They also have to deal with various health and nutrition issues at work and where they live, which adversely impact both their physical health and dignity. In addition, many female workers have migrated from rural to urban areas and are separated from their family networks and social support, exposing them to high-risk situations such as violence and unprotected sex. Female factory workers’ ability to speak out about these concerns is limited by their lack of leadership skills and representative groups. Many female factory workers are socialized to believe that they are not capable of participating in groups and decision-making bodies or capable of collectively taking action to improve their well-being.

Objective of I am Strong!

Through I am Strong, CARE works to increase the confidence, leadership acumen, and knowledge of female factory workers to improve their occupational well-being and more dignified working conditions by working with communities and factories.

Expected outcomes:

• Increase female factory workers’ voice, leadership skills, and social solidarity.
• Female factory workers can take action to address their concerns within the community and the workplace.
• Improved health and well-being of female factory workers at work and home.

How does I am Strong work?

I am Strong groups are self-help, solidarity, and knowledge groups of female factory workers formed in the communities where they live. These groups provide a process where women can network with their peers, share common experiences, evaluate and understand the issues they face, and work together to address them.

• Providing training to female factory workers so they can support and organize female workers’ groups.
• Facilitating female workers’ access to social services and local authorities.
• Promoting the voice and leadership of workers.

Participants of I am Strong

Location

Thanh Hoa, Dong Nai, Long An provinces, and Ho Chi Minh city.

Time

2018 – 2020

Donor