IMPROVING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO PROMOTE GENDER-MAIN STREAMING INCLUSIVE BUSINESS: EXPERIENCES FROM SEVERAL ASEAN COUNTRIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VIETNAM

Abstract

Abstract: Inclusive business with gender mainstreaming is a business model that harmoniously 
integrates profit objectives and social responsibility, aiming to promote the equal participation of 
women – especially low-income women – throughout the entire value chain. In Vietnam, although 
the proportion of women-owned businesses is increasing, the majority of these businesses remain 
small-scale, facing numerous barriers to accessing policies, finance, and support networks. This 
article uses a combination of legal analysis, comparative legal studies, and in-depth interviews to 
assess the current state of the legal framework for inclusive business with gender mainstreaming in 
Vietnam, identifying policy gaps and implementation barriers. Simultaneously, the study analyzes the 
experiences of three ASEAN countries – Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia – in developing 
legal frameworks for inclusive business with gender mainstreaming, including recognition mechanisms, 
identification criteria, and incentive policies for businesses. Based on this, the study proposes directions 
for improving the legal framework to promote the development of inclusive, gender-inclusive business 
models in Vietnam, thereby contributing to the goals of sustainable economic development and 
gender equality.