* There is always a significant difference, possibly even up to 25%.
The latest report from Directorate Statistics shows that: The average income of workers in the third quarter of 2024 is 7.6 million VND/month, an increase of 176 thousand VND compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 519 thousand VND compared to the same period in 2023.Of which, the average income of male workers is 8.7 million VND/month, female workers is 6.5 million VND/month.In the first 9 months of 2024, the average income of workers is 7.6 million VND/month, an increase of 7.4%, equivalent to an increase of 519 thousand VND compared to the same period last year.Of which, the average income of male workers is 8.6 million VND/month, female workers is 6.4 million VND/month.
Another noteworthy figure: In the third quarter of 2024, the whole country had about 1.4 million young people (aged 15-24) who were unemployed and not participating in education or training, accounting for 10.7%. The rate of unemployed young people and those not participating in education or training in rural areas was 12.5%, in urban areas it was 7.9%; unemployed young women and those not participating in education or training was 12.2%; and young men was 9.4%.
It is undeniable that the efforts of the Party, the State, social organizations, especially the Trade Union, towards creating equality for female workers. There are enterprises that have included in their collective agreements the reduction of working hours for women, exemption from work during menstruation, and provision of places for women with young children to express breast milk... These efforts have partly balanced the labor relationship between men and women.
However, reducing the income gap is a long story. The reason given is that female workers are often concentrated in simple occupations that do not require high qualifications. Balancing working time and family care time is also a barrier that makes it difficult for women to advance and increase their income.
So, how to overcome the above reasons? Today's society has almost erased gender discrimination. But only almost. It still exists. In all assessments of the impact of policies on society, there is always a section: Gender impact. That is, does this policy create a distinction in enjoyment between men and women? And when issuing a policy, there must be a conclusion that "there is no gender impact" as a requirement.
The issue we are discussing is not equality, but at a higher level, it is creating opportunities for women's development, giving them choices, happiness and success on their path.
The most important factor is whether the woman herself dares to overcome barriers and gender stereotypes at work and in the family.
** Recently, I have noticed a character that has been mentioned a lot in the media.
That is the CEO of the private airline Bluesky Ho Thanh Huong.In July 2024, this woman of the "first generation" of 7X became the first female private pilot in Vietnam after a professional training course.She said: "Flying is not only a dream, but also a journey for me to overcome myself."
But perhaps, the message that this female pilot wants to convey is not only a story of overcoming herself: “I used to wonder if there was anything I had not dared to try, what limits I had not crossed? And becoming a pilot is the answer, the gift I give myself at the age of over 40. I want Vietnamese women to realize that there are no limits reserved for women. Do not be afraid of difficulties and challenges, because with determination, women can fly high and far like anyone else.”
It is an inspirational story for women who set limits on themselves and are not bold enough to overcome their aspirations and dreams.
I told this story to another young businesswoman, CEO of Dgroup Human Resources Training and Development Joint Stock Company - Le Dung. She admitted that as society develops, many women are no longer economically dependent on men and from being economically proactive, women have more and more equal rights in the family and society. Women's participation in social work, recognized and fairly evaluated by society, is also a factor to enhance the status of women in the family. On the contrary, the sympathy, help and sharing of the family will create a solid foundation for women to develop. Not only are they steadfast captains in business, women are also the "fire keepers" in each family. The contributions of women in the family and society as well as the expectations of society for them. Like all women in the world, Vietnamese women also have "natural" contributions such as pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, and "social" contributions such as building and developing families and society.
The more women participate in the economy, the more they have access to and develop financial capital, human capital and social capital. These are the best conditions for women to improve and develop themselves as wives, mothers and business leaders.
According to a survey by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), female entrepreneurs in Vietnam are increasingly occupying an important position in the economic development process, creating a unique, flexible, and very effective business style.
However, in reality, there are still many difficulties that female entrepreneurs are facing from many sides, such as traditional gender bias in daily life (male preference and female contempt), in law enforcement (although regulations on gender equality have been recorded in many legal documents) and even gender-related obstacles from within.
"The three factors for female entrepreneurs to succeed are: First, women themselves must have knowledge, passion and determination. Second, family, colleagues and society must create conditions for women to complete their work. Third, resolve internal family relationships well to create motivation for success" - said young entrepreneur Le Dung.
*** The stories of successful businesswomen like Le Dung, Ho Thanh Huong as well as many other businesswomen in Vietnam may have some impact on many women to move towards success.
But back to the story of income, the concern of the majority. How can modern women have a better income and more opportunities to develop is not an easy question to answer.
One of the main causes of discrimination in employment opportunities is the concentration of women in lower-value occupations and positions in the labor market. While sectors such as engineering, technology, and finance are often favored and paid higher wages, women are predominantly employed in sectors such as education, health care, and textiles – sectors with low incomes and few opportunities for advancement. Even in sectors with growth potential, women are often relegated to support and office positions, or are denied access to jobs that require higher skills and have better earning potential.
To reduce discrimination in employment opportunities and income for female workers in Vietnam, the participation of many parties is needed, including the Government, businesses, society and women themselves.
The proposed solution system is: It is necessary to continue to improve regulations on labor and gender equality, ensure strict enforcement in businesses, and have strong sanctions against discriminatory behaviors.
Businesses should be encouraged or required to implement gender equality training programs for employees, to change gender stereotypes and promote women into leadership positions.
In addition, there are often policies to encourage women to pursue studies and jobs in the fields of engineering and technology, where there is high income potential and many opportunities for career development.
At the same time, building programs to support women in balancing work and family, such as remote work policies, flexible working hours, or childcare support at the workplace, can help women balance family and work, thereby increasing their chances of promotion.
Promoting gender equality in the workforce is not only about protecting women's rights but also helps increase labor productivity and contributes positively to the country's sustainable development.
