Tóm tắt Luận án Gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam at present

der relatinoship from the perspective of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam; the work Gender relationship in ethnic minority families in the northern mountainous region at present by Nguyen Thi Ha; The impacts of natural disaster and climate change on ethnic minority 8 communies in the northern region - from gender prism by Pham Thu Hien; the writing The development of human resource in the cause of industrialisation and modernisation in northern mountainous provinces at present by Le Tuan Ngoc, among others. 1.2. VALUES OF RELATED STUDIES AND CONTENTS THAT NEED TO BE CLARIFIED BY THE THESIS 1.2.1. Values of related studies mentioned above First, the studies mentioned above are valuable materials both in theory and practice so as the thesis could use as a source of reference in the process of implementing its objectives and tasks. The studies partly indicate the necessity of the study on gender equality in ethnic minority family work the northern mountainous region at present, providing the thesis author with theoretical grounds and a part of pratical grounds, and suggesting a number of issues raised and solutions for promoting gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region. Second, a number of studies analyse and define the postiion and role of women in the process of socio-economic development, intepreting and clarifying at a certain extend the issue of gender in family work such as: labour division, access to and benefit from resources, the right to make decisions and enjoy benefits. Of note, authors of numerous studies focus their study and moe emphasise on ethnic minority women in the northern mountianous region. Third, some works have introduced new ways of assesing and perceiving a kind of family labour (reproductive labour), suggesting ways of quantifying the value of reproductive labour, and analysing the contribution of reproductive labour to the national economy. Fourth, some studies analyse and indicate barriers to the development of ethnic minority women, and barriers to the implementation of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in certain aspects as follos: hard economic situations, backward custom and practices, low liberacy level, and so on. Fifth, a number of studies identify changes in the family of ethnic minority people in the northern mountainous region such as: family structure, family relations, decision-making, division of labour, education and marriage. Sixth, some studies provide an overview of the renewal and development process in mountainous areas as well as achievements and shortcomings of that process, suggesting development orientations and principles for the mountainous 9 region and region concentrating ethnic minority groups; mention the gap between rich and poor in the northern mountianous region, and its influence on aspects of social life generally speaking, including the influence on gender equality in ethnic minority family work. Seventh, some studies focus on analysing the relationship between gender, poverty and developemnt policy, employing gender in macroeconomic policies, and suggesting ways to address poverty from the perspectives of gender and inequality. From that point, the studies’ authors highlight responsibilities of policy makers and the community as well towards the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. 1.2.2. Contents should be further studies and clarified in the thesis Although there are many studies on gender equality, the role of women in family, and the transformation of gender relations in family, but they have only studies some aspects of family work, and have not comprehensively studies on gender equality in family work. A number of scientific and practical arguments on the significance of the implementation of gender equality in family work generally speaking and in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region, some facrors that prevent ethnic minority women from promoting their roles, an the implementation of gender equality are not mentioned yet. Currently, there are no authors or works that intensively and systematically study gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region from the socio-political aspects. This is one of the gaps that need to be researched in order to implement gender equality in family in general and in ethnic minority family particularly speaking and more fully. From the values of researches related to the topic of the thesis, and from the approach of the Scientific Socialism speciality, the author shall focus on researching, arguing and solving some basic issues as follows: First, to generalise theoretical and practical grounds for the necessity to implement gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region, focusing on: the theory of family work, ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region, expression of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mounttains region; the role of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the norhtern mountainous region towards socio-economic development in the northern mountainous region; impacts of natural, economic, cultural and social elements and social policies on the 10 implementation of gender equality in ethnic minority family in the northern mountainous region at present. Second, based on practical data, the thesis analyses the real situation of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region, focusing on: production activities; reproduction activities; and community activities. Third, to study and clarify issues raised, especially contradictions in the implementation of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region at present. Fourth, to propose fundamental views and solutions to promote gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region. Chapter 2 THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL GROUNDS ON GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF VIETNAM AT PRESENT 2.1. FAMILY WORK AND GENDER EQUALITY IN FAMILY WORK 2.1.1. The concept of family work The thesis author approaches the concept of family work with the follow functions: Family work is a series of purposeful activities of family members in order to fulfill family functions, and to ensure the existence and stable development of the family. Family work consists of production activity, reproduction activity and community activity. 2.1.2. The concept of gender equality in family work Gender equality in family work is the fact that men and women in the family have equal position and role, opportunities and conditions to participate into all production activities, reproduction activities and community activities so as they can bring into full play their ability and capacity to ensure the existence and stable development of the family and equally enjoy benefits from such contributions. To further clarify the comprehension of the concept of gender equality in family work, the thesis author shall base on the following gender analysis tools: gender-based division of family work; access to resources; family decision- making; and enjoyment of benefits. 11 2.2. ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION 2.2.1. Characteristics of ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region 2.2.1.1. Regarding production activity The production activity of ethnic minority families in the northern mountainous region differs from the production activity in other regions in the country because it mainly occurs in the agricultural area. Besides, there are some auxiliary livelihood activities such as handicrafts, hunting, gathering, small trading and working for others. 2.2.1.2. Regarding reproduction activity Large family with a great number of members is the first and foremost feature of rural people and ethnic minority groups. In the meanwhile, social security services in these areas, particularly in remote and mountainous areas, remain underdeveloped in comparison with other parts of the country. With these characteristics, it is clearly seen that the volume of work involved in reproduction activity which women have to undertake is relatively huge, time-and effort- consuming. 2.2.1.3. Regarding community activity Although many ethnic groups reside in a region or a commune, but within the scope of a village, they often include people from the same ethnic group and in many cases they have a flesh - and - blood relation, so many families in the village have blood relationship with each other. The live in close cohesion, in which each individual is a link of a chain connecting with each other because of not only their blood and neighbour relationships but also cultural and religious activities, particularly livelihood activities. 2.2.2. Expression of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region First, gender equality in the production activity of ethnic minority families in the northern mountainous region in the aspects of: Work division between wife and husband in agriculture, handicrafts, hired labour, trading of goods and services; Access to production resources such as: land, capital, agricultural promotion services; Rights to make decision in production activity: change of production direction, capital; Enjoyment of benefits: inheritance, education. Second, gender equality in reproduction activity of ethnic minority families in the northern mountainous region is demonstrated through following aspects: 12 Division of work between wife and husband in activities such as cooking, washing, shopping, money keeping, caring and educating children, caring for the elderly, collecting water, rice pounding, collecting materials for firing, and fixing family stuff; Access to resources in reproduction activity: management of family money, and family planning measures; Rights to make decisions related to reproduction activities: family expenses, the number of children, and use of contraceptives; Enjoyment of benefits related to reproduction activities: healthcare and recreation. Third, gender equality in community activity of ethnic minority families in the northern mountainous region is demonstrated through the aspects as follows: Assignment of responsibilities between wife and husband in activities such as: who is attending funeral/wedding, communicating with the authorities, attending village meetingsg, receiving guest, cleaning the village, and participating into the village’s worships; Right to access community activitiies of husband and wife; Right to make decisions to participate int community activities: Enjoyment of benefit from community activities. 2.3. THE ROLE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN THE NORHTERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF VIETNAM AT PRESENT The implementation of gender equality in ethnic minority family work plays a significant role towards the socio-economic development in the norhern mountainous region at present, specifically: First, gender equality in ethnic minority family work shall contribute to economic development in the northern mountainous region. Second, gender equality in ethnic minority family work shall contribute to raising the quality of human resources, satisfying requirements of the industrialisation and modernisation of the northern mountainous region. Third, gender equality in ethnic minority family work is the premise for the implementation of social equality in the northern mountainous region. 2.4. ELEMENTS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF VIETNAM Elements including nature, economic, social and cultural elements, and social policy have significant impacts on the implementation of gender equality in ethnic minority family work in the northern mountainous region at present, both positive and negative. 13 Chapter 3 GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS PROVINCES OF VIỆT NAM AT PRESENT - SITUATION AND PROBLEMS 3.1. THE SITUATION OF IMPLEMENTING GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHNIC MINORITY FAMILY WORK IN NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS PROVINCES OF VIỆT NAM AT PRESENT 3.1.1. In production activities 3.1.1.1. Labour division The research result of the thesis about labour division in terms of gender in production of ethnic minority people in northern mountainous provinces shows that in the context of socio-economic underdevelopment, low production capacity and difficulties in life, the women play a very important role in production, creating economic benefits and ensuring food supply for the famiy and the whole community. They participate in almost and are fairly equal with men in production activities of the family, and the superiority of jobs that brings in more income than men is also affirmed. However, the survey result of the thesis also shows that the gender stereotype (the unwritten principle) still dominates the thinking and activities of the people here when engaging in production. In terms of ethnicity, the level of participation of both husband and wife in production is more popular and higher in the Tay and Thai families than in the H'Mong and La Hu ethnic groups. 3.1.1.2. Access to production resources - Land In families of ethnic minority groups in northern mountainous provinces at present, although the rate of both husband and wife share the ownership rights in the red book or land use certificates accounts for only 13.8 percent, and women account for a small proportion of land ownership rights of 9.0 percent, it shows positive changes in awareness of people in general and ethnic minority women in particular of property ownership rights. It also partly reflects the equality between husband and wife. In terms of ethnicity, we can see that the rate of both husband and wife having names in the red book of Thai and Tay ethnic groups is equivalent (14.5 percent, 14.2 percent), higher than that of H’Mong and La Hu ethnic groups 14 (13.1 percent, 13.2 percent). In reality, the access to land ownership rights of women in ethnic minority groups in northern mountainous provinces is very low. - Loan Regardless of the high, medium or low level of development, the tendency of both spouses to co-borrow loans is high, which demonstrates more equality and democracy in family relationships as well as access to production resources of women. However, the opportunity to get access to loans of men still nearly doubles that of women with up to 39.6 percent of husband borrowing loans while only 20.5 percent of wife borrowing loans. - Agricultural promotion services The survey result shows that more than 90 percent of participants of agricultural promotion training classes confirmed that participating in such classes is effective. At present, 25 percent of women in ethnic minority families in northern mountainous provinces have chances to get access to agricultural promotion activities and this is probably a new progress showing the advancement of women. However, there is a remarkable difference in getting access to agricultural promotion services between men and women with men remains those getting access to agricultural promotion activities the most, accounting for 60 percent. 3.1.1.3. The rights to make decision in production activities - Changing production direction of the family The survey data shows that the right to make decision in production and business activities of family is now not only reserved for husbands but also for wives. However, the main decision-making power still belongs to men while ethnic minority women are still vulnerable and have less chances to make decision in production and business activities. - Loans That both husband and wife discuss to make final decision in using loans has become a popular trend in ethnic families at present, accounting for a high rate of 45.6 percent. It proves that gender relationship in the families is more progressive, democratic and equitable than before. However, there remains difference between men and women in deciding how to use the loans. The survey data shows that 34.6 percent of respondents confirmed that the decision to use the loan was made by husband and only 19.8 percent was made by wife. For the Thai and Tay ethnic families, the role of wife in deciding how to use the loans is higher, 15 equivalent to 22.3 percent and 25.4 percent, while La Hu ethnic group does not borrow loans for production over the past time. 3.1.1.4. Enjoyment of benefits - Property inheritance Regarding inheritance rights (the thesis refers only to land), the decision to divide property evenly among children accounts for 13.9 percent, and the decision to divide property to daughters only accounts for a very modest ratio of 2.2 percent. However, it reflects a positive change in awareness of ethnic minority people on the inheritance rights of daughters. Although the rate is still small, it shows the tendency of parents in ethnic minority families to treat sons and daughters equally and opportunities to be equal in inheritance of women. It can be seen that the answer of respondents that son is the only inheritor accounts for the highest ratio, and this data reflects both awareness and the real status of property inheritance in terms of gender in ethnic minority family in northern mountainous provinces at present. - Education Most of interviewed parents in ethnic minority families think that boys and girls should have equal rights in education. However, in fact, boys have more opportunities to go to schools than girls. According to the survey result, up to 55 percent of ethnic minority people believe that it is necessary to invest in having boys to complete high schools while the rate for girls is 38 percent. It is more equal in Tay and Thai ethnic minority families when they believe that girls need to complete high schools while some of them want to have daughters go to universities or complete secondary schools or vocational training. In conclusion, women play a very big role in production activities of ethnic minority families in northern mountainous provinces, and they participate in almost works and are in charge of many works. However, their economic contribution was not properly recognized. Although the trend of equality in family appears, the access to, control of, decision-making and enjoyment of benefits in production activities of women are still limited and there remains inequality between women and men. 3.1.2. In reproduction activities 3.1.2.1. Labour division Currently, men in ethnic minority families in northern mountainous provinces have participated and shared reproduction activities. Although there are 16 changes towards equality in reproductive work, women still hold main responsibility and women’s labour intensity in this area is very high and is many times higher than that of men. 3.1.2.2. Access to resources in reproduction activities - Financial management in family The thesis’s survey result shows that in ethnic minority families in northern mountainous provinces, in general, the wife keeps control on money, accounting for a high proportion of 72.2 percent while only 15.1 percent of husbands keep control of money and 12 percent of both husbands and wives keep control of money. In terms of ethnicity, we can see differences between H’Mong ethnic minority group and other ethnic minority groups in household economic management. - Family planning measures The use of contraceptives of ethnic minority people in northern mountainous provinces has recently tended to increase, showing that access to contraception information and services for ethnic minority people has improved. Many men are active in using contraceptives (15.3 percent). However, in addition to a few contraceptions for men, the responsibility for health and family planning is mainly aimed at women. 3.1.2.3. Decision-making power in reproduction activities - Decision relating to expenses in family The thesis’s survey result shows that the decisive role of women has become more important in family life, which is reflected by both men and women deciding big expenses in families accounting for the highest rate. It can be seen that the democratic relationship has gradually formed in families, a huge advancement in gender relationship. However, men still hold main decisive role in large expenses that have significant effects on economic conditions of families, nearly doubling that of women. - Decision on number of children In surveyed families, both husbands and wives decide the use of contraception and the number of children. This is a big progress in the equality between men and women and it also shows that awareness of ethnic minority people of family planning has changed positively. However, the fact that women use contraception is not entirely determined by them, but often depends on the decision of men and the percentage of decision making by men is twice as high as 17 that of women. Apart from a few contraceptions for men, the responsibility for health and family planning is mainly aimed at women. 3.1.2.4. Enjoyment of benefits - Healthcare There are significant differences between women and men in accessing healthcare services. Men tend to get access to better and more modern healthcare services than women. Thai and Tay ethnic minority people have better access to higher level hospitals, in terms of financial capacity, distance and transportation. - Entertainment The finding of the thesis on cultural enjoyment or the use of time outside production and work shows that women and men have differences in using free time. Men have more time to rest and enjoy spiritual benefits than women. In conclusion, although the relationship in ethnic minority families in northern mountainous provinces tends to be more equal and democratic, men - the backbone of the family - still have more advantages than women and their voices weigh more than that of women in big decisions of families. If we consider the decision making and enjoyments of benefit from work in the family in terms of ethnicity, the rate of both husbands and wives in families of Thai and Tay ethnic minority groups discussing together to make decision on family works is higher than that of H’Mong and La Hu ethnic minority groups. In Thai and Tay families, women are shared and enjoy benefits better than families in H’Mong and La Hu ethnic minority groups. 3.1.3. In community activities 3.1.3.1. Labour division Like production and reproduction activities, in community activities, we can see that men often take main responsibility in important works while women take minor role. 3.1.3.2. Access to community activities Data shows that men are still main actors in community activities but there has been role sharing and transfer between men and women. In terms of ethnicity, it can be seen that Tay and Thai ethnic groups appreciate the advancement of women and the community role of women is higher than that of women in H’Mong and La Hu ethnic groups. As a result, the position of Thai and Tay women is higher and they are more equal and free to participate in social activities. 18 3.1.3.3. Decision-making power in joining community activities The presence of women on a regular basis as the representative of the family and the head of the family to participate in wedding or funeral ceremonies, receptions, working with local authorities or discussing and deciding important issues of the community - the activities that are traditionally biased in terms of gender - is an important progress of ethnic minority women and it reflects integration of gender role and positive changes of position between men and women. However, men still hold the key role and the rate of men participating in meetings is higher than that of women. 3.1.3.4. Enjoyment of benefits Currently, the access to and enjoyment of values from activities of ethnic minority women remain limited in comparison with men. In conclusion, the gender relationship in community activities of ethnic minority groups i