Forum discusses women’s role in fourth industrial revolution

Hanoi (VNA) – A forum themed “Womenwill – Women in industrial revolution 4.0” took place in Hanoi on January 17, seeking ways to help women across Vietnam expand start-up activities and participate more deeply in the economy.

The event also offered a chance for experts and female entrepreneurs to share information and experience to make women more active and confident to deal with challenges of the digital era.

Pham Duc Nghiem, deputy head of the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), said that women often face more difficulties and barriers in work than men due to their responsibility for their family and social preconceptions.

The proportion of women gaining access to technology is also lower than that of men, Nghiem added.

He said as the MoST is implementing the National Project to Support Innovative Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam by 2025, the ministry hopes to receive coordination of other agencies and organisations to encourage more start-ups by women.

Hoang Quang Phong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the fourth Industrial Revolution is creating not only opportunities but also challenges, especially for micro and small businesses, many of which are owned and managed by women.

Therefore, he asked female entrepreneurs to take the initiative in accessing technology and building long-term development strategies in order to catch up with the flow of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

An International Finance Corporation (IFC) report titled “Women-owned Enterprises in Vietnam: Perceptions and Potential” indicated that businesses owned by women account for only 21 percent of the total.

However, the World Bank has underlined the potential of female entrepreneurs in creating jobs and increasing incomes for millions of people, thus contributing to socio-economic development.-VNA