Vietnam’s Path to Innovation and Equality

Empowering Women in STEM: Viet Nam’s Commitment to Innovation and Equality

March 1, 2025 | Saturday | Opinion

The year 2025 marks significant milestones—the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) on February 11, and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These events highlight the ongoing dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women in various sectors, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Viet Nam is at the forefront, actively implementing policies aimed at supporting female researchers and entrepreneurs. Through investments in education, reforms, and recognition of women’s accomplishments in science, Viet Nam is establishing itself as a model for inclusive development.

This year also celebrates a decade of progress in addressing gender disparities within STEM. Despite advancements, women continue to be underrepresented, especially in leadership positions and cutting-edge industries. As per UNESCO, women constitute only 28% of researchers globally, despite making up nearly half the world’s population. In Asia, this gap is even wider. For example, in India, only 14% of academic positions in STEM are held by women, according to an IWWAGE report.

A driving factor in this underrepresentation is the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon, where women exit STEM careers at rates higher than their male counterparts due to cultural biases, workplace inequities, and family obligations. This challenge not only limits representation but also represents a significant economic loss. The Asian Development Bank estimates that gender gaps in STEM cost the Asia-Pacific region around $42 billion annually, hindering economic growth and innovation. Moreover, homogeneous teams in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals risk neglecting solutions that effectively address the needs of diverse populations, which can stifle breakthroughs in fields like precision medicine and public health.

According to a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, achieving gender parity in STEM could potentially elevate global GDP by $12 trillion by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive policies that enhance women’s representation in these vital sectors.

Viet Nam is emerging as a regional leader in women’s participation in STEM. Currently, women comprise 47% of the nation’s Research and Development (R&D) workforce, surpassing the global average. However, this high participation rate does not reflect in leadership roles, with only 26% of research projects being led by women. This discrepancy emphasizes the necessity for targeted initiatives that will facilitate greater female representation in STEM leadership positions.

Recognizing the importance of fostering gender inclusivity, Viet Nam has spearheaded impactful policy changes to support female researchers and entrepreneurs. Resolution 57 (December 2024) and the National Assembly’s Science & Technology Policy (February 2025) aim to promote gender equality in leadership and research within the STEM fields, complementing the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Development for 2030, which emphasizes the importance of increasing women’s contributions to technology and research.

Women in Viet Nam have significantly advanced the STEM fields on both national and international platforms, showcasing expertise in areas such as nanotechnology, biomedical research, artificial intelligence, and environmental sciences. Notable scientists include:

• Associate Professor Ho Thi Thanh Van, a leading researcher in fuel cell technology focused on sustainable energy solutions.
• Dr. Tran Ha Lien Phuong, a biomedical engineer who received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award for her pioneering work in cancer treatment through nano-drug delivery.
• Professor Dr. Nguyen Thị Kim Thanh, a nanotechnology expert who garnered the Rosalind Franklin Medal in the UK for her innovative research in biomedical nanomaterials.
• Professor Dr. Le Minh Thang, who developed a groundbreaking catalytic converter, earning the Kovalevskaya Prize in 2022.
• Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan, recognized for her Juice Evaporation Technology (JEVA) and winner of the Best Innovation Award in the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2020.
• Dr. Le Thai Ha, listed among the top 100,000 influential scientists worldwide, with over 70 published papers in key international journals.

These remarkable individuals exemplify Viet Nam’s rising influence in STEM, driving significant scientific advancements both domestically and globally.

Viet Nam has shown a strong commitment to STEM education since the General Education Sector Development Program (2017), which integrates STEM into all levels of the educational system. While a formal National Program on STEM Education is yet to be established, several initiatives are already making uplifting strides:

• The Women in STEM Leadership Program (2016) in Đà Nẵng, provides mentorship for female STEM students, preparing them for careers in high-tech fields.
• The ASEAN-UK SAGE & British Council Scholarships (2024), which offered full scholarships for five Vietnamese women to pursue master’s degrees in STEM fields in the UK.
• The STEM Teacher Training Program (2024) in Bắc Ninh, aimed at increasing gender inclusivity among female STEM educators to foster supportive educational environments for young girls.

These initiatives are empowering women with the capabilities required to excel in emerging industries like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy, establishing Viet Nam as a leader in STEM innovation.

Throughout 2006-2020, Viet Nam has notably increased female university enrollment in STEM from 30% to 54.6%. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas like career advancement, research funding, and STEM leadership. The key hurdles include:

• Limited access to career information, as many young women remain unaware of STEM opportunities.
• Gender biases ingrained in STEM culture that often dissuade women from pursuing careers in science and technology.
• A shortage of mentorship and professional networks, where fewer female mentors restrict growth opportunities for emerging female scientists.

To address these challenges, Viet Nam must adopt a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, including:

• Expanding STEM career guidance with national awareness programs aimed at girls aged 6-14.
• Increasing funding for women-led research to ensure equal access to government research grants.
• Strengthening partnerships between industry and academia to provide mentorship and internship opportunities for female students.
• Promoting women in STEM leadership through specific scholarships and training programs at scientific universities.

Viet Nam’s dedication to gender equality in STEM is driving innovation and contributing to economic development. By continuing to invest in education, reform policies, and celebrate the achievements of women in science, the nation sets a powerful example of inclusive growth.

As Viet Nam progresses towards its goal of becoming a high-income, technology-driven economy by 2045, empowering women within the STEM fields is essential for sustaining innovation, competitiveness, and national advancement. Bridging the gender gap in STEM is not merely beneficial—it’s critical for the nation’s development. With a robust policy framework and increasing female engagement in science and technology, Viet Nam serves as a model for countries striving for gender equality in STEM and is prepared to enhance international cooperation towards this vital goal.