The study documents the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on female migrant workers in Vietnam’s apparel and footwear industries over a period of six months, from February to July 2020, focusing on: (i) economic impacts (employment, income); (ii) health impacts (access to health services, healthcare, and infection prevention); and (iii) social impacts (constraints on families and individuals; need for future support). The study will contribute to helping stakeholders (governments, businesses, mass organizations, and social organizations) recognize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to build measures to minimize them, and improve lives and jobs for workers in the apparel and footwear industries, especially female migrant workers, both during and after the pandemic.

This report is in two parts. Part A, the Desk Review, a summary of secondary sources, draws on published material that addresses the structure of Vietnam’s clothing and footwear industries and the impacts of the economic downturn on businesses and workers in those sectors. Not only does it detail short-term impacts on businesses and workers (through 2020), the Desk Review also outlines structural challenges affecting the sector and suggests government policy responses to address longer-term issues.