ASSET-H&C and Plan International publish “Valued. Paid. Recognized.”, a desk review of initiatives promoting women's empowerment in the Mekong Hospitality & Tourism.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 17th December, 2020 - the Association of Southeast Asian Social Enterprises for Training in Hospitality & Catering – ASSET-H&C –  and Plan International officially released “Valued. Paid. Recognized.”, a desk review of initiatives promoting women's empowerment in the Mekong Hospitality & Tourism sector.

Globally, one fifth of young people are  considered “not in employment, education, or training” (NEET). Two out of every three of these NEETs are young women. Women also face multiple barriers preventing them from thriving in the workplace. 

Hospitality and Tourism (H&T) is a major employer of women globally, particularly in the Mekong region. Yet, gender inequities, stereotypes, and discrimination deter women from seizing opportunities for decent work, equal pay, and representation in decision-making roles within the sector. 

Over the previous months, ASSET-H&C has collaborated with Plan International on a research study centered on the question “What good practices have enterprises adopted in the H&T sector in the Mekong region to promote the economic empowerment of women workers, especially young women?”.

The research draws upon key publications on women’s empowerment, gender equality and women’s position in the H&T sector, especially in the Mekong region. Insights from key informant interviews with five members of ASSET-H&C network have also served to augment existing knowledge surrounding the research question as well as to validate initial findings from the literature.  

It has been widely demonstrated that investing in women and striving to ensure their equal participation in the economy and job market not only brings great returns on investment but also recoups the lost potential economic contribution of women. 

To truly include and benefit women at the same level as men, it calls for proactive actions and greater dedication to creating social impacts from private entities in the H&T sector in the Mekong region. Meanwhile, guidance from government and support from non-profit organizations are also required to ensure that barriers are lifted and opportunities more accessible.

The research is now available for download on ASSET-H&C website. 

ASSET-H&C is a unique network of innovative vocational training centers that promote social and economic inclusion of vulnerable people in Southeast Asia, through training and professional integration in hospitality & catering. It brings together fifteen vocational training centers willing to work hand in hand to better fulfil their common mission of making a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged youths and adults across Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

The network promotes hands-on, market-related, and sustainable educational approaches in Vocational Education in Southeast Asia and is integrated by some of the best vocational training centers in the region. It is also a regional player in sustainable hospitality and tourism.