Ethnic Women in Sơn La Province, Northern Vietnam: The Entrepreneurial Landscape

• Main Authors: Nguyen, Quynh T, Coventry, Louise, McDonald, Scott, Rametse, Nthati
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: ethnic minority women; entrepreneurship; use of technology; access to finance; risk-taking
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/apssr/vol21/iss1/8; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/apssr/article/1352/viewcontent/RA_207.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This article examines differences in the propensity to engage in entrepreneurial activities among ethnically diverse women in Sơn La Province, a disadvantaged and mountainous rural area of Vietnam. Propensity for entrepreneurialism is examined by focusing on (a) women’s use of technology, (b) experiences of financial difficulties, and (c) propensity for risk-taking. Analyzing surveys completed by 135 women, we find that plans to start a business are equally apparent among women from diverse ethnic groups. We establish a positive association between levels of entrepreneurialism (practicing entrepreneurs, intending entrepreneurs, and non-entrepreneurs) and the use of technology. However, we find no association between entrepreneurialism and access to finance/financial difficulties or risk-taking. Women from very small ethnic minorities often report never using the Internet, and they seek loans from private lenders who charge relatively high interest rates. Our findings suggest a need for greater government investment in rural areas to increase women’s access to and use of technology.