Promoting Gender Equality and Awareness in the Vietnamese Mining Sector: Perceptions, Challenges, and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Females in the industry nowadays have been offered many opportunities to develop their careers. However, the chances are not the same in different areas or sectors. This study investigated the perceptions and understanding of gender-related issues in the mining sector among potential young workers and industry experts in Vietnam. The study employs Oxfam's Gender Impact Assessment Guidelines for extractive industries and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - CEDAW's Women's Economic and Social Rights Framework to assess gender-related issues in the mining sector. A survey of 207 students in Hanoi was conducted, besides focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with gender and mining experts. Findings reveal significant differences in knowledge and awareness of gender issues between students, emphasizing the need to integrate gender knowledge into specialized fields such as mining. In addition, professionals working solely in the mining sector demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to gender issues. Consequently, the study recommends capacity building, seminars, and exchanges to help mining professionals incorporate a gender perspective into their activities. Current policies exhibit gender neutrality, indirectly excluding women's participation and compromising men's safety in the mining sector. The study proposes policy recommendations for enhancing the protection of workers in the mining industry and promoting gender equality. These include incorporating gender perspectives into relevant laws, raising awareness of gender issues among policymakers and professionals, and increasing the mining sector's presence in the media to encourage youth to pursue careers in this field.