Women's Participation Fuels Viet Nam's Green Ambitions, Driving Job Creation

HANOI, Viet Nam, June 18, 2025 - To address a looming talent shortage and to unlock inclusive, sustainable growth, Viet Nam's private sector must take action to accelerate women's economic participation, according to a new IFC report supported by the Australian government.

The Green Edge: Women's Employment and Leadership for Sustainable Business in Viet Nam reveals that while the solar energy, plastics recycling, and rice production sectors are central to Viet Nam's climate ambitions, women remain significantly underrepresented-holding just 23 percent of formal jobs and 21 percent of leadership roles on average. As these sectors scale to meet growing demand and unlock new green job opportunities, persistent gender gaps risk constraining innovation, slowing growth, and undermining competitiveness and productivity.

This first-of-its-kind diagnostic recommends practical steps for businesses in these sectors-chosen for their influence on low-carbon growth and investment potential-to expand opportunities for women through targeted recruitment, upskilling, and inclusive policies in the workplace and in the supply chain.

"When women work, economies win. Unlocking jobs for women fuels shared prosperity, strengthens resilience, and drives inclusive growth-especially for sectors that are relevant to Viet Nam's green transition," said Australia's Ambassador to Viet Nam H.E. Gillian Bird. "By investing in women's participation in climate-critical sectors, we can accelerate progress toward net-zero while ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared by all."

Removing barriers to women's inclusion can close skills gaps, build a future-ready talent pipeline, and boost business performance. The report reveals companies that employ women and men equally are better equipped to manage climate risks, reduce emissions, seize new growth opportunities and are attracting stronger investor support. For example, some of the firms interviewed reported that taking corporate actions to advance women - such as adopting equal opportunity policies - improved access to competitive financing.

The World Bank Group estimates that Viet Nam's net zero pathway is expected to create close to one million new jobs by 2040, with particular demand for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related skills. Deliberate action is needed to ensure women benefit equally from these opportunities.

"Viet Nam's bold commitment to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy is not just a necessity-it's a powerful opportunity for businesses to lead transformative change and help shape a more inclusive future," said Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Lao PDR. "This sector-by-sector roadmap shows how inclusive companies are better positioned to close skills gaps, create better jobs, attract investment, and lead Viet Nam's green transition with stronger, more resilient operations."

The Green Edge: Women's Employment and Leadership for Sustainable Business in Viet Nam report is part of IFC's broader efforts, funded by the Australian government's development program in Viet Nam, to support private sector-led climate solutions that drive job creation for women and men, improve people's livelihoods and climate resilience, and are aligned with national development goals.