Empowering Vietnamese Women: Loans Igniting Change in Gender Equality and Climate Action
In a revolutionary initiative aimed at advancing gender equality and combatting climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with UN Women, has launched the EmPower initiative in Vietnam. This program facilitates access to collateral-free, low-interest loans for women, focusing on renewable energy technologies. It addresses the crucial issue of credit access, offering women-led businesses in the Asia-Pacific region a chance to flourish.
Local Impact: Transforming the Bắc Kạn Region
In Vietnam’s Bắc Kạn region, the EmPower initiative has already yielded transformative results. A tea cooperative, consisting of 15 female members, benefited remarkably from the program by obtaining financial support to construct a solar-powered drying facility. This advancement has significantly improved production quality and profitability. The cooperative’s founder, Duong Khanh Ly, expressed relief that this modern facility safeguards products from being spoiled by unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring stronger profit margins for the women involved.
Duong, a 33-year-old mother, reflects on her journey over the past few years since partnering with CHIASE, a grassroots organization affiliated with EmPower. “In the past, drying tea and bamboo shoots was very difficult. If it rained and the products couldn’t be collected in time, it was all ruined,” she said. Now, their solar-powered drying house not only increases productivity but also product quality, which enhances their market competitiveness.
Tackling Climate Change: A Cumulative Effort
Launched in 2018, the EmPower initiative originally assisted 473 women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the Asia-Pacific area. The project has entered its second phase in 2023, aiming to support an additional 1,600 MSMEs. This effort underscores the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically highlighting the vital role that renewable energy plays as an alternative to fossil fuels.
According to Dechen Tsering, Acting Interim Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, accessible financing can have a transformative impact on women’s lives and signify the vast potential of renewable energy deployment. “This programme shows the transformative power that accessible and affordable financing can have on the lives of women. It also demonstrates that renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, which is crucial at a moment like this,” she stated.
With UNEP’s latest Emissions Gap Report warning of a predicted 2.6°C to 3.1°C increase in global temperature by century’s end, initiatives like EmPower hold paramount importance. These measures not only address environmental crises but also include economic advantages, thereby enhancing local interest and resident participation in community resilience strategies.
COP29: The Emphasis on Gender and Climate
As country representatives convene in Baku, Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Change Summit (COP29), the importance of financing renewable energy in developing regions, such as Vietnam, is at the forefront of discussions. EmPower’s partnerships with financial institutions and private sector stakeholders are vital in rallying funding for sustainability projects.
Notably, COP29 has highlighted gender equality as a primary focus, fostering awareness about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women. Holding down effective and inclusive solutions for climate resilience, this gender lens reaffirms women as integral agents in the sustainable development dialogue.
Future Implications and Broader Reach
Looking forward, EmPower aims to orchestrate US$20 million in gender-sensitive investments across Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Such initiatives hold potential benefits for over 100,000 women, igniting progress in not only economic sectors but also social pathways and human development.
As this program gains momentum, increased productivity and income for the cooperative members in Bắc Kạn set a precedent for wider-scale implementations. Community investments that stress collaboration, long-term planning, and education about renewable solutions are integral to this process.
“I’m excited about the future,” says Duong Khanh Ly. “The skills we’re gaining and the financial security provide significant support for children and families in our community. It’s about time that women are at the heart of positive change.”
For local residents seeking more information or willing to contribute to EmPower’s efforts, contact CHIASE for guidance and opportunities for involvement. Engagement in workshops and training sessions focused on innovation, disaster preparedness, and business acumen will fortify this mission further, invigorating both local economies and the global climate agenda.
By bridging these economic and environmental goals, the EmPower initiative encapsulates a comprehensive approach towards green growth and gender-responsive development. This initiative not only strengthens the fabric of Vietnamese society but also enriches the global dialogue on sustainable futures, resonating with community interests and enabling local impact on a prolific scale.
