UEH introduces the research project “Gender-sensitizing for Design and Operation of Water-Energy-Climate Change Infrastructures in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam – GS4Infra”
On September 27, 2024, the kick off event of the research project “ ender-sensitizing for Design and Operation of Water-Energy-Climate Change Infrastructures in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam – GS4Infra was held at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province.
GS4Infra is an interdisciplinary project funded by the Mekong Think Tank Program. It seeks to identify and address gender-specific issues within public sector infrastructure development, particularly in areas related to water, energy, and climate change. The project focuses on flood protection dikes, irrigation canals, and salinity prevention sluices.
The project is centered on two communes in Cu Lao Dung district, situated along the Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong River. These communes are grappling with the impacts of climate change and upstream hydropower development.
The kick off event of GS4Infra research project
The project is led by MSc. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy of Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Dr. Ly Quoc Dang, a gender consultant from Can Tho University, and local investigators from diverse fields including law, sociology, and biotechnology.
The project launch was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen, Deputy Head of the UEH Research, Development, and Global Engagement Department, who participated online. Representing Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) was Mr. Dang Quoc Chi, Chairman of the Cu Lao Dung Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with officials from various departments in An Thanh Dong and An Thanh communes, southern Cu Lao Dung district. Mr. Nhan Vo, Program Manager of the Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network (MTT) program, represented the sponsor. The project team experts were also present.
In his remarks at the launch in Soc Trang, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen, Deputy Head of the UEH Research, Development, and Global Engagement Department, stated that Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) is dedicated to providing optimal support for the project implementation team. He expressed confidence that with local support and assistance, the project would contribute to improving livelihoods, mitigating natural disaster risks, and constructing sustainable irrigation systems for Cu Lao Dung district. Dr. Nguyen emphasized the importance of the project's in-depth and long-term research process, which would facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders and raise awareness about gender equality and the needs of disadvantaged groups. This would ultimately contribute to sustainable development aligned with the United Nations' goals and foster multidisciplinary research initiatives at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics.
Mr. Nhan Vo, representing the Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network (MTT) program, expressed enthusiasm for the project, commending its gender-focused approach and policy considerations related to hydropower in Cu Lao Dung. He also urged the local government to provide maximum support for the GS4Infra project and facilitate opportunities for the MTT program, funded by the Australian Government, to visit Cu Lao Dung. The MTT program supports participants from four Mekong River region countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and aims to deepen understanding of local issues related to hydropower, climate change, livelihoods, agriculture, and more, enabling it to effectively support and collaborate with local authorities and communities.
MSc. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy -The project leader introduced the goals of the GS4Infra project
Dr. Ly Quoc Dang - Gender consultant, project member introduces the implementation plan of the GS4Infra project
At the project launch, MSc. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy and PhD. Ly Quoc Dang presented an overview of the GS4Infra project and detailed local implementation plans. The project aims to enhance gender equality and support disadvantaged groups (women, the elderly, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities) in the planning, implementation, and operation of irrigation works, natural disaster prevention, and climate change mitigation (dikes, bridges, sewers, canals, roads). The project will be implemented in An Thanh Nam and An Thanh Dong communes.
As stated by Mr. Dang Quoc Chi, Chairman of the Cu Lao Dung Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cu Lao Dung has been receiving funding from various sources to support the development of a sustainable community resilient to climate change. Mr. Pham Tan Dao, Director of the Soc Trang Provincial Irrigation Department, also noted that Cu Lao Dung District has been actively collaborating on initiatives to prevent high tides and address the impacts of climate change. The locality has consistently demonstrated concern for disadvantaged groups (women, children, people with disabilities) in the area and has been striving to implement measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters on the lives of local residents.
Following the project introduction, experts from the project team shared their plans for upcoming activities and requested support from various units and departments within the province, district, and two communes. A brief survey revealed valuable insights into local culture, natural features, and potential strategies to facilitate the successful implementation of the GS4Infra project. Notably, nearly 100% of officials expressed interest in promoting gender equality and supporting disadvantaged groups in society. Additionally, participants shared diverse perspectives on the potential benefits of irrigation and natural disaster prevention projects, including dikes, canals, bridges, and rural roads.
In the future, the GS4Infra Project will gather comprehensive data on how existing infrastructure disproportionately affects women and utilize this information to inform policy recommendations. GS4Infra will collaborate closely with local stakeholders, including women's associations, women-led households, and ethnic minority groups, to jointly develop practical recommendations that provide a more holistic understanding of the current situation. This approach aims to ensure that future projects are equitable and uphold the rights of all groups in society.
The project introduction was successful, establishing a positive foundation for future collaboration among the involved parties. Detailed information and updates on the project's progress will be regularly shared on the GS4INFRA Website, GS4INFRA Facebook Fanpage, and GS4INFRA YouTube channel.
Delegates who attended the project introduction, both in person and virtually, took souvenir photos
News and photos by GS4Infra project team, Marketing - Communications Department
