Southeast Asia Gender & IPM Skills Capability Course Project Presentations: Project 8

Summary

This presentation focuses on empowering women in rural areas of the Mekong Delta, particularly in the context of sustainable agriculture and human resources development. The research explores women's roles and challenges in the face of climate change, social shifts, and economic pressures. Key findings include a strong awareness of climate change among women, despite barriers such as limited education and language difficulties. The project recommends improving financial support, gender equality awareness, training, and expanding employment opportunities. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of empowering women as a central pathway to building sustainable and resilient agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women in the Mekong Delta play a significant role in agriculture, especially in rice and vegetable farming, as well as household decision-making.
• 😀 More than 80% of women in the region are aware of climate change, but most lack knowledge of adaptation strategies or climate-related health risks.
• 😀 100% of men in the area are aware of climate change and its impacts, indicating a gender gap in knowledge about climate adaptation.
• 😀 Women in rural areas face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, training, and resources, which hinder their participation in agriculture and other economic activities.
• 😀 Women from minority ethnic groups in the Mekong Delta struggle with language barriers and limited social participation, which restrict their access to community resources and opportunities.
• 😀 The high salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta has affected 90% of farmland, making traditional rice farming more difficult and encouraging women to diversify their livelihoods.
• 😀 There is a significant gender divide in agriculture, with women dominating vegetable and rice farming while men predominantly engage in fry farming.
• 😀 Limited mobility and physical constraints (such as the inability to ride motorbikes) further reduce women’s access to training, markets, and new agricultural opportunities.
• 😀 Women in the Mekong Delta are facing challenges from a lack of education and technical skills, as well as cultural norms that limit their participation in decision-making and leadership roles.
• 😀 The research suggests the need for targeted support for rural women, including financial assistance, gender equality awareness, and skill development programs to empower them in the agricultural sector and beyond.

Q & A

What is the focus of the study discussed in the presentation?

The study focuses on empowering women in human resources, sustainable agriculture, and addressing climate change impacts in the Mekong Delta, particularly through examining the role of women in agriculture and rural development.

What specific area was studied within the Mekong Delta?

The study focused on a province in the Mekong Delta, which is a coal-affected area facing issues like salinity intrusion and land degradation.

Why was the role of women in agriculture a key focus of the study?

The study highlights the growing involvement of women in agriculture due to male migration, making it an essential area for understanding how women adapt to sustainable farming practices.

What were the main objectives of the research?

The objectives were to explore the changing roles of women in agriculture due to climate change, social and economic shifts, and to understand their contributions to sustainable transformations in rural areas.

What methodology was used in the research?

The research utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and surveys, involving 30 participants to gather insights into women’s roles in agriculture.

What percentage of women in the study were aware of climate change?

Over 80% of the women in the study were aware of climate change, but only 81% had knowledge of adaptation strategies specific to the Mekong Delta.

What challenges do women in rural areas face, according to the study?

Women face several challenges, including limited access to education, language barriers, restricted participation in social networks, and cultural norms that limit their decision-making opportunities.

How do the roles of women and men differ in farming activities in the Mekong Delta?

The study found that women dominate in the cultivation of crops like vegetables, while men are primarily involved in rice farming and related activities.

What specific barriers do minority women face in the Mekong Delta?

Minority women face additional challenges such as language barriers, limited participation in women’s unions, and restricted access to community social networks.

What recommendations were made to enhance the capacity and awareness of rural women in the Mekong Delta?

Recommendations included financial support through microloans, raising awareness about gender equality, providing skill training, and expanding employment opportunities for women to increase their societal participation.