Vietnam’s Path to Innovation and Equal Opportunity

As we celebrate the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) on February 11, 2025, and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, Viet Nam stands out in its efforts to promote gender equality and empower women within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Although women comprise nearly half of the global population, their representation in research remains disproportionately low—just 28% of the world’s researchers. In Asia, the challenges are heightened, with countries like India reporting women occupy only 14% of STEM academic positions. This disparity continues to hinder economic growth and innovation, costing the Asia-Pacific region an estimated $42 billion yearly, according to the Asian Development Bank.

The Gender Gap in STEM

The “leaky pipeline” effect reveals systemic issues, pushing many women out of STEM careers due to cultural biases, insufficient support, and conflicting responsibilities. It’s critical to address this not only as a gender issue but also as a significant economic concern. A report from the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that achieving gender parity in STEM could contribute an additional $12 trillion to global GDP by 2030.

Despite the obstacles, Viet Nam showcases commendable progress. Women make up 47% of the R&D workforce—a figure that surpasses the global average. However, a concerning gap remains in leadership roles, where only 26% of research projects are headed by women, underscoring a need for further efforts in promoting women to decision-making positions.

Policy Initiatives and Empowerment Efforts

Viet Nam’s government has taken significant steps to promote gender equity in STEM through Resolution 57 (December 2024) and a National Assembly policy aimed at elevating women in research and leadership roles within science and technology. These policies form part of a broader National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2030, which emphasizes expanding women’s participation and fostering an inclusive environment for all researchers and entrepreneurs.

Showcasing Successful Women in STEM

Several Vietnamese female scientists are leading impactful research and innovations:

• Associate Professor Ho Thi Thanh Van: Renowned for her contributions in fuel cell technology and sustainable energy.
• Dr. Tran Ha Lien Phuong: Recognized with the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award for her innovative work in cancer treatment.
• Professor Dr. Nguyen Thị Kim Thanh: Honored with the Rosalind Franklin Medal for her research in biomedical nanomaterials.
• Professor Dr. Le Minh Thang: Known for developing an affordable catalytic converter and recipient of the Kovalevskaya Prize.
• Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan: Awarded for her groundbreaking Juice Evaporation Technology and will receive the Kovalevskaya Prize in 2025.
• Dr. Le Thai Ha: Acknowledged among the top 100,000 influential scientists globally with numerous publications in prestigious journals.

Ongoing Initiatives and Challenges

Viet Nam’s commitment to STEM education is evident in various initiatives, such as:

• Women in STEM Leadership Program: Launched in Đà Nẵng in 2016, this program mentors female STEM students for careers in high-tech sectors.
• ASEAN-UK SAGE & British Council Scholarships: In 2024, five Vietnamese women received full scholarships for master’s degrees in STEM in the UK.
• STEM Teacher Training Program: A 2024 pilot initiative aimed at increasing gender inclusivity among educators in science and technology.

Despite these advancements, barriers such as limited career information and societal gender biases continue to challenge progress. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies, including:

• Enhancing STEM career guidance for young women.
• Increasing funding opportunities for research led by women.
• Encouraging collaborations between industry and academic institutions.
• Establishing scholarships and programs that focus on promoting women in STEM leadership roles.

Conclusion

Viet Nam’s strides in empowering women in STEM are not only pivotal for innovation but also vital for the nation’s overall economic development. By prioritizing gender equality, investing in education, and celebrating outstanding achievements, Viet Nam sets a compelling example for other nations aiming for inclusive growth in the STEM field. As Viet Nam strives toward its goal of becoming a high-income, innovation-driven economy by 2045, the empowerment of women in STEM remains critical to sustaining progress and competitiveness.

As highlighted by Dang Hoang Giang, “Bridging the gender gap in STEM is not just an imperative but a pre-condition for the country’s economic development.”