Female Internal Migrants in Vietnam and Their Social Security Issues

Abstract

The tendency of internal migration flows from rural areas towards urban areas has been increasing over the last two decades in Vietnam. Women account for more than half of all migrants. Compared with male migrants, female migrants tend to be more vulnerable in daily life, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of employment opportunities, salary, discrimination, sexual abuse, reproductive health, and child care. The government has built a diversified and comprehensive social security system that covers migrant workers. However, internal migrant workers still find it difficult to access social security policies, particularly employment, health and social insurance, and housing services. This paper, therefore, aims to explore social security issues faced by female internal migrants in Vietnam and then suggest appropriate policy recommendations.