WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FROM COMMUNITY PRACTICES (The Case Study of Can Gio - Ho Chi Minh City)

Abstract

The study examines the role of women in Can Gio's sustainable tourist development using information from 20 in-depth interviews and observations. According to the findings, women actively engage in a variety of occupations, including cooking, housekeeping, traditional handicrafts, tour guiding, and product supply, which helps them earn money, develop their skills, build social networks, and elevate their standing within the family and community. They still encounter other obstacles, though, such as discrimination based on gender, a lack of resources and expertise (particularly in foreign languages and technology), the need to balance work and home responsibilities, and a lack of involvement in decision-making. Based on this, the report suggests ways to support women's equitable and productive involvement in the development of sustainable tourism, including preferred credit, skill development, and social awareness campaigns.