Vietnam is a leader in gender equity in Southeast Asia.  Over 80 percent of women are engaged in economic activities giving Vietnam one of the highest rates of economic participation in the world.

Despite these advancements in gender equality, many women in Vietnam continue to face obstacles.  Strong family traditions dictate the roles and responsibilities of women and they experience serious stigma and discrimination when they break those traditions.  Cross- Border Trafficking is also major issue in Vietnam. It is believed that as many as 400,000 women and children have been trafficked internationally since 1990 (This accounts for 10% of the total number of trafficked women and children worldwide).

In partnership with the Centre for Women's Development, Hagar is working with women who have been victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence in Vietnam.  It is building the capacity of shelter staff to more effectively respond to the specific needs of women who have experienced these types of trauma.  Also, Hagar in Vietnam is implementing Career Pathways, a job-readiness program that gives women the life and technical skills they need be financially independent.  Through partnerships with technical schools, businesses and Hagar's enterprise partner, Joma Bakery Café, women who come to Hagar become resilient, financially independent and filled with hope. 

As is the case in the rest of the countries where it works, Hagar focuses on reintegration with resilience and dignity.  Hagar achieves this by following up with women long term and connecting their children to education and their families to local authorities and NGOs.