Feminist Approaches to Social Development

Despite Vietnam’s historical achievements in working towards gender equality, it remains a constant challenge to include a feminist perspective in social development efforts. Persistent prejudices and misconceptions hinder the use of feminist methods and concepts among researchers and development organizations. One reason for this is the field’s lack of systematic education and local contextualization of feminism. Thus, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) and the Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS) jointly carried out the project “Strengthening Feminist Foundations in Vietnam” between 2020 and 2022.

ISDS developed a comprehensive training curriculum, which addresses issues such as gender-based violence, sexual health, family and reproduction. Professionals from various organizations attended a series of trainings that taught them how to apply feminist theory and methods in their respective fields. By sharing personal experiences and integrating the curriculum into their organizations’ practice, the participants strongly promoted feminist perspectives within social development efforts in Vietnam. Moreover, the attendees created a feminist network to encourage continued exchange and mutual support.

ISDS complemented this educational project in several ways. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the frequency and intensity of domestic violence escalated dramatically. ISDS conducted a study to raise awareness and formulate urgent policy recommendations to prevent gender-based violence during lockdowns. In 2022, ISDS also began to emphasize the role of men in propagating feminism and achieving gender equality. The institute published a striking portrait (Vietnamese only) of men and masculinity in Vietnam. Further, ISDS founded “VNMenNet”, a vibrant network that connects men working towards gender equality and sustainable development from a feminist perspective.