This project aims to strengthen economic resilience and improve the well-being of female factory workers to cope with the negative impacts of COVID-19. 

Background 

Vietnam’s apparel and footwear industry suffered significant COVID-19 impacts, with export values dropping by 10.2% and 9.6%. Surveyed firms made labor cost reductions: 90% reduced overtime, 62% cut allowances, 55.8% furloughed workers without pay, and 15% laid off up to 20% of their staff. Workers, especially women, faced job loss, lack of insurance, increased unpaid care work, limited access to health services, and a higher risk of gender-based violence. On average, workers lost 33% of income, with a 59% drop for the laid-off.

Women workers experienced a 27% income reduction compared to 19% for men currently working, and 63% compared to 51% for those who lost jobs. Limited job opportunities, information access, and required skills posed challenges for workers. Many face poverty risks, thus finding new jobs and income is crucial.

Workers’ voices were seldom heard; only 20% knew about cost-cutting measures, and 15% of union members voiced grievances about it through enterprise unions.

Objective of Strengthen Economic Resilience

  • Workers’ awareness of rights and well-being is strengthened through collective action
  • Workers’ economic resilience is strengthened to cope with the COVID-19 situation

How does Strengthen Economic Resilience work?

The capacity of EKATA (Empowerment, Knowledge, and Transformative Action) members in Ho Chi Minh City is improved to sustain the dialogue with relevant stakeholders

  • 10 monthly group meetings will be organized to provide workers with knowledge of labor rights and skills improvement so that they can mobilize their fellow workers for practical collective action.
  • 03 small grants will be given to workers for developing communication mechanisms with the factories and local authorities so that they can maintain the regular dialogue and make it a possible alternative option to facilitate issues between workers and relevant stakeholders.

Workers have increased technological capacity and access to job/income generation opportunities through digital platform

  • A digital platform developed by CARE will be further improved with added functions.
  • A group of 100 workers will be coached to effectively use all functions of the platform through 06 training courses on digital literacy.
  • A communication campaign will be launched to support a positive shift in public perception towards female factory workers.  This includes their need for a healthy workplace and community, aiming to reach 1,000,000 people.

Participants of Strengthen Economic Resilience

Direct
100
female workers (EKATA members)		 10
relevant stakeholders
Indirect
2.000
workers at the local factories		 1.000.000
 people reach through the campaign

Time

3/2022 – 10/2023

Donor

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