These provinces were two of the areas most affected by COVID-19 and are at high risk of natural disasters in the South of Vietnam.

The project aims to enhance the resilience of women as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to boost the capacity of local service providers to respond to women at risk of violence in an emergency setting.

An estimated 8,000 women in HCMC and Tien Giang province who are poor or near poor, unemployed or have lost their income, and are at higher risk or survivors of violence and abuse, will benefit from cash transfers and technical assistance for livelihood recovery.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and disparities including gender issues in Vietnam”, said Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Representative in Vietnam at the launching event of the project.

“Women’s loss of employment and income and increased unpaid care responsibilities has only served to underscore inequality in gender roles and the increase of women’s economic dependence and vulnerability”.

She emphasized that economic stress, disaster-related instability, and limited access to, or knowledge of, services are known to increase the risk of violence against women and children.

“This project addresses the intertwined issues of women at risk of violence and women with insecure incomes. Our goal is to support women to be more resilient, in their incomes and in their ability to access the support they need to be safe and prosperous”, said Australian Ambassador H.E Robyn Mudie.  

The new project will equip the beneficaries with knowledge and life-skills to cope with gender-based violence and information on how to seek available services and support.

By the end of the project in March 2023, it is expected 5 million people will have increased their awareness of issues related to Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence.

The project interventions are also designed to enhance the capacity of about 2,000 key service providers to respond effectively 24/7 to women’s needs in an integrated manner, following guidance of the United Nations’ Essential Services Package (ESP) for victims of violence against women and children.

Mrs. Lam Thi Ngoc Hoa, Standing Vice President, Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union shared that the COVID-19 epidemic in Ho Chi Minh City has directly affected people's lives, especially families with difficult circumstances: lost livelihoods, job loss, no income, orphans, etc./.