Creating Equal Market Opportunities for Women by Advancing Supplier Diversity Through Gender-Responsive Procurement (Sd-Grp) in Thailand and Vietnam

Abstract

Gender inequality is a social phenomenon in which people are not treated equally based on gender. Gender inequality prevents women from gaining fair access to networks, finance, and markets, including procurement markets. In Thailand, women's labor force participation rate is 59% compared to 75% for men. In Nam, in the fourth quarter of 2022, women's labor force participation rate was 61.1% compared to 73.1% for men. This research focuses on UN Women's efforts to create equal market opportunities for women by advancing supplier diversity through Gender Responsive Procurement (GRP) in Thailand and Viet Nam. The purpose of the research is to find out UN Women's role in addressing gender inequality in the workplace in Thailand and Viet Nam through implemented programs such as Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP) and We Rise Together. The method used is library research. The data collection method is done by analyzing and exploring several journals found in books, the internet and other relevant data sources. The results show that the Australian Government-supported 'We Rise Together' initiative aims to create equal market opportunities for women by promoting supplier diversity through procurement. The program has trained women-owned businesses and buyers in nam since 2023, with the aim of advancing gender equality. The Leaders Learning Lab as part of the WEP dialogue, showcases the development of gender equality policies, increasing skills and market access for women entrepreneurs, expanding access to technology and funding, and increasing visibility through advocacy campaigns in Thailand.