Brian Jeffrey
| Women at Vietpower Co., Ltd in Nam Định Province receive complimentary health check-ups. VNA/VNS Photo Văn Đạt |
Challenges Faced by Middle-Aged Female Workers
Women dominate the workforce in many industrial and export processing zones. However, as they approach their mid-30s, they encounter significant challenges related to employment and health, according to experts.
This situation underscores the urgency for policies that protect the rights of this demographic.
Personal Stories of Struggle
Trần Thị Thu Hiền, from Quế Võ Town in Bắc Ninh Province, previously worked in Hà Nội. Earning less than VNĐ10 million (approximately US$406) a month, she struggled with living expenses, prompting her to move back home and leave her child with her parents to save costs.
“Finding a job is our top priority, after health,” said Hiền.
She has been actively attending job fairs, leveraging her warehouse management experience to seek a job offering around VNĐ8-9 million ($325-$366) per month, which would be more affordable in her hometown.
Trịnh Thị Tươi, 44, worked in electronics manufacturing for nearly a decade in Quế Võ Industrial Zone but had to leave due to health problems, including deteriorating eyesight. She resigned voluntarily to access unemployment benefits but desires stable employment due to its better pay compared to agriculture.
“I’m contemplating vocational training or small-scale trading due to my health,” Tươi explained.
Nguyễn Thị Lệ, 39, lost her job when her company in Bắc Từ Liêm District folded. She expressed a desire for stable employment but faced rejections due to insufficient skills after applying at several firms.
Employment Landscape
According to Vũ Tiến Thành, Deputy Director of the Employment Service Centre in Bắc Ninh, the province offers ample job opportunities as many employers favor female workers for their attention to detail, especially in the electronics sector.
However, the centre reported receiving 15,000 applications for unemployment benefits in 2023, with 20 percent from women over 35.
Nguyễn Thị Minh Ngọc, Vice President of the Bắc Ninh Provincial Federation of Labour, highlighted the heightened risk of layoffs for female workers compared to their male counterparts, pointing out that women earn, on average, 13 percent less.
Moreover, many women manage household responsibilities alongside their jobs, complicating their search for stable employment as they age.
The Importance of Training and Support
Trần Thu Phương from the Women’s Affairs Committee at the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour noted that women performing basic tasks face difficulties in securing new jobs after 35. She emphasized the struggles of those retrained through short courses who often can’t find jobs that meet modern demands.
Health issues and limited skill development, particularly in technology, further hinder these women’s integration into the job market.
Progress and Initiatives
A report from the Centre for Development and Integration indicated that Vietnam has a remarkable female labor force participation rate of 72%, ranking second globally. Yet, 81.6% of women have not undergone vocational training, leaving them vulnerable in the workforce.
Persistent inequalities exist in wages, working conditions, and promotion opportunities, with a notable wage gap of approximately 13% between genders.
Senior female migrant workers with established families and job security tend to remain loyal to their employers, while younger women often return home or seek local jobs after having children.
Efforts to Mitigate Inequality
Trade unions have been actively working to support female workers in need by providing aid, both monetary and material. Most beneficiaries are over 35, helping them secure their livelihoods and work security.
As part of Workers’ Month in May and the Trade Union Anniversary in July, health check-ups and consultations for women were organized.
Đặng Thị Thuận from Yamaha Motor Vietnam noted that free cancer screenings and annual health check-ups were essential for worker reassurance and commitment to the company.
Policies for Better Working Conditions
Nguyễn Văn Công, from Dreamtech Co., Ltd, explained that the firm avoids scheduling overtime for pregnant women past seven months and those with very young children, despite it posing challenges during peak times.
The company has instituted several employee retention policies, like a healthy workplace environment and skill enhancement opportunities, while also providing annual salary increases.
Advancing Gender Equality
Many initiatives aim to enhance gender equality in the workplace. The Women’s Affairs Committee was involved in crafting the 2019 Labour Code, which includes protections for breastfeeding women and job security for those returning from maternity leave.
Additionally, the committee advocated for criteria ensuring gender-neutral hiring practices and the renewal of contracts for qualified female employees.
Recommendations have also been made to recognize maternity leave in seniority calculations for benefits and career growth opportunities.
Furthermore, vocational retraining and support allowances for older women and assistance with childcare and housing have been proposed.
