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6 Years in Vietnam: Assessing AWE's Impact



Over the past six years, AWE Global has had an important impact on the lives of women in Vietnam. Since launching operations in the northern region of the country in 2018, AWE’s focus has been to catalyze positive change for women living in poverty by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and role models in their communities. An in-depth program evaluation conducted during the fall allow us to assess the outcomes of AWE's programming over the longer term: together, we have been able to create a ripple effect that continues to empower women and their communities today.


Project Objectives: Empowering Women to Lead and Succeed


AWE's mission is to enhance the income and empowerment of women in poverty in Vietnam. Here are some of the specific outcomes we try to create on the path to empowerment and influence.


In the short term, the programs are designed to achieve the following immediate outcomes; by the time the women complete the 5 day entrepreneurship program, they have:

  • Increased their business knowledge and skills (for example, sales, bookkeeping, etc)

  • Articulated their goals for the future and created a plan with actionable steps

  • Boosted their self-confidence, are more likely to take risks, and are developing a growth mindset

  • Understood the value of teamwork and have started to build new networks

  • Cultivated leadership abilities and learned to value themselves and see their worth, which is needed for them to become role models in their households and communities


These outcomes are assessed on the training, through a variety of challenging exercises, presentations, questionnaires, and quizzes. Training teams are trained to observe, document and report on changing behaviours and content mastery throughout the program.


With these foundational learnings in place, we expect more complex and nuanced outcomes over time. Within a year, we expect to see our graduates


  • Increasingly engaged in revenue-generating activities, creating increased income

  • More influential in their communities (mentoring other women, hiring or teaching others, active participation in community associations or groups, etc)

  • Demonstrating increased influence over household decision-making, particularly financial decisions (which ultimately leads to better outcomes and more prosperity for families).


Impact After 5 Years: Key Achievements and Success Stories


Economic Empowerment: A Transformational Journey

The results of AWE's program in Vietnam over the longer term are best seen through the increased income and business success of its graduates.



  • The average annual income of graduates has increased by 275% since completing the program.

  • Graduates from SaPa saw an impressive 450% increase in their income, while those in other regions experienced an average increase of 159%.

  • 63% of graduates reported that the program helped them expand their businesses and increase their income, with many diversifying their income sources into sectors like farming, homestays, and tour guiding.


One standout example is Lo Thi Tien, a 2021 graduate who struggled initially to sell her coffee beans. After participating in AWE's training, she gained the confidence to advocate for herself and successfully secured support to expand her business. By 2022, Lo opened a coffee shop selling beans from her own field and is now working to distribute packaged ground coffee to a broader audience.


Lo credits AWE's programs for providing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to overcome challenges and continue growing her business:

“I learned valuable knowledge and skills during the training that made me more confident and motivated me to follow through with all the hardships to keep my coffee business going.”

Increased Leadership and Household Influence

A key aspect of AWE's program is its focus on leadership development, and the results speak for themselves:


  • 71% of graduates reported increased involvement and leadership in their communities, with many actively mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and volunteering for local initiatives.

  • 69% of women reported an increase in their decision-making power within their households, especially in areas like family spending and business decisions. 74% of graduates experienced a boost in their overall influence within the family.


Vang Thi Du, a 2022 graduate, exemplifies the shift towards greater household influence. After learning about bookkeeping during the ASSET workshop, she took control of her family’s finances, despite initial resistance from her husband and in-laws. Over time, she earned their trust and became the financial planner and bookkeeper for her household. Vang now dreams of opening a free English class for local children—a goal she is determined to achieve once she has the funds.


Gender Equality and Social Change

AWE’s program has also made a significant impact on gender equality.


  • 89% of graduates reported an increase in gender equality in their households and communities, with many women gaining greater respect and autonomy in personal and professional matters.


The empowerment of women extends beyond individual success stories to the broader community. Many women who have graduated from AWE’s program have become champions of gender equality, using their newfound confidence and leadership skills to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women’s rights.


Improved Living Standards and Community Impact

In terms of living standards, AWE’s program has contributed to tangible improvements for many women and their families:


  • 92% of graduates reported improvements in their housing conditions, either through repairs, maintenance, or building new homes.

  • Graduates also shared that their increased income and business success allowed them to reinvest in their communities by providing employment opportunities. 16% of graduates have hired others for full-time or seasonal work, creating a network of economic growth and support.


One graduate, Sung Thi Lan from the 2019 cohort, expanded her home into a souvenir shop and craft workshop. This addition allowed her to generate additional income and support her business, highlighting the program’s practical impact on both personal and community development.


Confidence, Risk-Taking, and Entrepreneurial Growth


A critical element of AWE’s success lies in the empowerment and confidence-building aspects of the program. The transformation in self-esteem and willingness to take risks has been one of the most significant and enduring outcomes.


  • 99.18% of participants reported increased confidence and self-esteem after the training.

  • 87% of women feel more confident communicating their opinions and beliefs, both personally and professionally.

  • More than 50% of participants have embraced risk-taking in their careers, experimenting with new business models and strategies.


This confidence has proven to be a long-lasting result, as cohorts from 2018 through 2024 have consistently reported these same positive outcomes. Women who initially lacked the self-belief to take risks now find themselves pursuing opportunities they once deemed impossible.


A Future of Continued Growth and Empowerment


As AWE’s program continues to evolve, its impact in Vietnam remains profound. The women who have participated in AWE’s training programs over the past five years have not only improved their own lives but have become catalysts for positive change in their communities. Their businesses are thriving, their families are stronger, and their influence continues to grow.


The success of AWE in Vietnam provides a powerful model for women’s empowerment, demonstrating that when women are given the tools, knowledge, and support to succeed, they can break free from the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities.


Conclusion


The impact of AWE Global’s program in Vietnam from 2018-2024 has been nothing short of transformative. From increased income and business success to greater household influence and enhanced community leadership, the program has empowered women to achieve things they never thought possible.


As AWE looks to the future, its mission to empower women remains as vital and impactful as ever, paving the way for more women to lead with confidence, skill, and purpose.


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