VietNamNet Bridge – CARE International in Viet Nam has launched its new programme direction towards 2020, explicitly focusing on the need to empower marginalised groups in the country, particularly women.

The Sung Nguyen family has been part of a micro-finance project of CARE International in Viet Nam for two years and received a loan to begin a mushroom farming business. The farm has been a huge success, resulting in a huge increase in income for the household and the ability for the couple to consistently send their three children to school. — Photo Josh Estey

Accordingly, CARE in Viet Nam will focus its programmes on two particular target groups: remote ethnic minority women and socially marginalised people in urban areas.

Socially marginalised people include female migrants, sex workers, people who use drugs, people living with HIV and sexual minorities.

At the launching event last Wednesday, Gerda Binder, new CARE Country Director in Viet Nam, said: "CARE International has re-aligned its strategies and resources to help make gender equality and women empowerment a reality for all women."

"CARE International in Viet Nam is dedicated to supporting women, in particular the most marginalised, to raise their voice and be heard," Binder added.

Working with the target groups, CARE Viet Nam's strategic programmes will be organised around three priorities: strengthening the voice of women, empowering women economically and addressing gender-based violence.

The launching event also celebrated 25 years of CARE working in Viet Nam from the time the organisation returned to the country in 1989. In those 25 years, CARE has worked in 43 of Viet Nam's provinces and cities and has delivered more than 200 development projects.

Source: VNS