Women in Vietnam make up 80 per cent of the workforce in the garment sector. Better Work has been operating in Vietnam since 2009. This is a joint program of the ILO and International Finance Corporation and is active in eight countries, reaching more than two million workers.

Over 500 garment factories, with a workforce of 7,00,000, participate in the program in the country. The program has shown garment factories that provide decent, good quality jobs and treat workers fairly can be a powerful driver of women’s empowerment and help bring lasting benefits to them, their families, and their communities.

As a result of their participation in the Better Work program, factories have steadily improved compliance with ILO core labor standards and national legislation covering compensation, contracts, occupational safety and health and working time. This has significantly improved working conditions and at the same time enhanced factories’ productivity and profitability. Better Work, launched in 2014, is a joint initiative between International Labor Organization and International Finance Corporation. It helps ensure compliance issues like welfare funds, vacation and maternity leave in factories. It has introduced a new concept of supporting readymade garment factories to boost their compliance while enhancing productivity.