Established in 2000, the WBC supports economic activities and promotes business development of women-run businesses. The Council operates under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and closely collaborates with a number of agencies, including the Community Development Department with which WBC runs a program to develop social entrepreneurship skills for women on welfare to enable them to be more financially independent.
Resources
SME Academy Resources
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement addresses issues of women’s livelihoods in cooperation with other government bodies, civil society, academia, and the international community. In 2013, the Ministry oversaw the development of the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (2012-2021), the Plan specifically recommended review of women’s inclusion in land and agrarian reform, as well as the establishment of vocational training centers and information centers where women can look for work.
Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs (MNCWA)
MNCWA was formed on July 3, 1996 as a result of the Beijing Conference on Women and chaired by the Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. MNCWA five-year plan is in accord with national, political, economic and social objectives. The working committee has identified eight critical areas of concern for the advancement of Myanmar women: Education and Training of Women, Women and Health, Violence Against Women, Women and Economy, The Girl Child, Women and Culture, Women and Environment and Women and Media.
Rose Gold Trading Company
Rose Gold Mountain Trading Co., Ltd. Is a social enterprise which designs and sells garments.The woman-owned firm supports small, locally owned garment factories and trains women in the skills they need to produce the garments. Thirty per-cent of the company’s profits goes toward the development of an organic and sustainable 400-acre tea plantation, which, once it is developed, will employ local labor in an effort to steer them away from human trafficking.
Ooredoo mWomen
One of Myanmar’s primary suppliers of mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services, Ooredoo established its “mWomen” program for the purpose of increasing women’s access to and use of mobile phones, as well as “life-enhancing digital services.”In addition, Ooredoo offers an “iWoman” service that links cell phone users to business developments, news and opportunities of interest to women, along with mAgriculture, which connects farmers with news about inputs, costs, prices, and solutions.
Enterprise Development Agency
Housed in the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Enterprise Development Agency has three main functions: 1. Business registration processes; 2. SME development support; and 3. Reforming State-Owned Enterprises. The Agency also runs technical assistance centers in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. These centers provide training, consulting, networking opportunities, and information to business owners.
Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs
The Institute of Labour Sciences & Social Affairs is a scientific research unit of the Ministry of Labour – Invalids and Social Affairs, has the roles of carrying out basic, strategic and applicable research works, serving the Ministry’s implementation of state management role in the areas of: employment, vocational training, labor, salary, social insurance, and managing the Ministry’s scientific research works.
Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)
MOLISA oversees areas of employment, vocational training, wages and salary, social insurance, occupational safety, “people with special contribution to the society” (eg veterans), social protection, child care, gender equality, and social protection. MOLISA releases an annual Viet Nam Employment Trends Report which differentiates trends between woman and man-run enterprises.
Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
VCCI represents the Viet Nam business community and is one of the economy’s largest trade promotion agencies. VCCI operates several SME Promotion Centers (SMEPC) to support enterprises through trainings and business support. The chamber has also worked with Intel, Microsoft, and Viet Nam Technology and Commerce Joint Stock Bank to create a program on “Integration with Information Technology” which provides support to enterprises in hardware, software, finance, and related trainings.
Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council
Established under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vietnam (VCCI), the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council’s functions include: support for women entrepreneurs’ and women-owned business’ rights; support for trade, investment, and technology development for women entrepreneurs; and trainings and capacity building for women entrepreneurs.