HCMC – Ha Thu Thanh, chairperson of the Vietnam Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (VBCWE), has underlined the importance of recognizing people with disabilities as a valuable workforce rather than simply a group in need of support given the ever-changing business environment.
Speaking at the “ESG-Employment Opportunities and Challenges for People with Disabilities” forum in HCMC, Thanh emphasized the social value inherent in this perspective, aligning with the “S” in the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles, which extends beyond corporate social responsibility.
This forum delved into the topic of disability employment within the context of sustainable development and ESG trends. Keynote speakers included representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, Center for Disability and Development (DRD), and local and international businesses.
VBCWE’s initiative aims to create a collaborative model where businesses actively participate in training, recruitment, and funding processes to foster inclusive employment opportunities, with a particular focus on empowering disabled women.
The forum marked a significant milestone in the journey toward building a more inclusive society for people with disabilities in Vietnam, potentially impacting the lives of over seven million individuals, as reported by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
Established in 2018 as part of the Investing in Women initiative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, VBCWE is a pioneering and professional organization dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, particularly in gender equality, within the business landscape.
