ABOUT COWATER INTERNATIONAL

Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company and has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2,500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors, and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements, and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve.

ABOUT THE GREAT PROGRAM

GREAT (Gender Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism), a 10-year flagship initiative of the Australian Government managed by Cowater International since 2016, focuses on women’s economic empowerment in Vietnam’s ethnically diverse north-west region. Using a market systems development approach, GREAT works with partners to sustainably grow the agricultural and tourism sectors in Lao Cai and Son La provinces. The area’s fertile land, natural beauty, and cultural diversity present significant economic opportunities for local ethnic minority women, including persons with disabilities.

The End of Program Outcomes for the GREAT Program are:

• EOPO 1: Women, particularly ethnic minority women living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces, have improved economic benefits.
• EOPO 2: Women, particularly ethnic minority women living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces, have increased confidence and social status, including more balanced workloads and greater decision-making within the home, workplace, and community.
• EOPO 3: Women, particularly ethnic minority women and household members living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces, benefit from more gender-responsive, inclusive, and effective provincial and national policies, plans, strategies, and programs.

Further information on the GREAT program and its Sector Briefs can be found on our website: https://equality.aus4vietnam.org/