HCM CITY — The Australian Government yesterday (July 24) kicked off its Gender Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT) programme in northwest Việt Nam to create jobs and improve incomes for local women. 

The AUD33.7 million (US$24.9 million) programme, which began last year and will end in 2021, will empower local women to engage in agriculture and tourism markets, and enhance women’s voices in economic decision-making.

The programme is expected to help 40,000 self-employed women to improve their incomes and create 4,000 jobs for women to drive economic growth in the provinces.

The programme will partner with a diverse range of actors, including private and non-government sectors in agriculture and tourism, to improve the environment and stimulate inclusive and equitable growth in the mountainous northwestern region of Việt Nam.

Justin Baguley, counsellor at Economic and Development Cooperation at the Australian Embassy, said: “Gender equality is a priority for both Australia and Việt Nam and a critical part of the Australian Government’s development cooperation in Việt Nam.”

“The programme aims to stimulate innovative solutions to enhance the lives of women, their families and local communities in northwest Việt Nam, and will also contribute to higher productivity and economic growth in the region.”

A call for proposals, with a closing date in mid-August, has also been announced.

The call, which will be available to partners from both private and public sectors, aims to develop innovative market-oriented solutions to persistent poverty and economic marginalisation among women in ethnic minority communities in the northwestern region.

Successful applicants will receive financial and technical support from the programme, and in exchange will enhance linkages with new markets and suppliers, improve the policy environment, and contribute to sustainable development in the region. — VNS