CIDA and Women's Economic Empowerment: Vu Thi Ha

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Transcript

CIDA and Oxfam-Quebec along with three provincial cooperative alliances and three provincial women's unions are building the foundations for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to think big!

"My name is Vu Thi Ha. I'm the owner of this ceramics workshop that we are standing in now. In our company, we focus mainly on producing ceramic vases and some pottery. During our production we have faced some difficulties including market access and innovative technologies."

As part of building economic foundations, business development offices were established in three provinces. Small business owners such as Vu Thi Ha developed new skills in planning, marketing, accounting, networking, increasing production and improving access to credit.

"Through that I have had some good ideas for my business in the future. I would like to have better access to loans with low interest rates so I can improve my production."

Over five years, the project helped more than 1100 small rural businesses — most led by women — to increase productivity and profits and connect to wider markets.

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The average profit of small businesses increased by 43%

43% of entrepreneurs were able to expand their markets

For women entrepreneurs this also led to increased participation in the community and more decision-making power.

"We have opportunities to learn. I'm happy and my family is happy that we have financial benefits from this."

CIDA is investing in women, helping women entrepreneurs compete and building economic foundations that support and include women.