Mainstreaming Gender Equality at Work in NAPBHRs: Normative Patterns and the case of Vietnam

Abstract

Integrating gender equality into the business sector is not a novel initiative. However, as responsible business practices gain importance in fostering economic growth and sustainable development, it is crucial to prioritize and openly discuss the integration of gender equality at work in national action plans on business and human rights. This stems from the fact that national action plans on business and human rights are regarded as policy strategies designed to protect against adverse human rights impacts by business enterprises, including the rights of women in labour and employment, contributing to gender equality at work. This study aims to explore the potential role of these national action plans on business and human rights in enhancing gender equality at work and to what extent such gender equality at work can be promoted in Vietnam by issuing and implementing this action plan. To achieve this objective, a combination of research methods, including synthesis-analysis, statistical and comparative methods, will be employed to identify and assess normative patterns for regulations on gender equality at work as presented in current active national action plans on business and human rights, including Vietnam’s. Consequently, three patterns illustrating the levels of regulation in these plans regarding gender equality at work are identified, namely, a single pattern, a dual pattern, and a mixed pattern. In the case of Vietnam, a single pattern was selected, which is deemed inappropriate given that this is the first time Vietnam has issued such a plan. These findings serve as a basis for further discussion, contributing to strengthening the role of national action plans on business and human rights in promoting gender equality at work in the future.