1. Full name of doctoral candidate: Nguyen Thanh Cam 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: August 11, 1975 4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Decision on admission of doctoral students: Decision No. 1806/2018 dated June 29, 2018/QD-XHNV of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes to the training process (if any):
- Extension document No. 1966/QD-XHNV dated July 26, 2022, from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Extension document No. 5344/QD-XHNV dated December 18, 2023, from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Thesis Title: Solutions to Support Access to Basic Social Assistance for Migrant Women Workers (Research conducted in Hanoi)
8. Major: Social Work 9. Code: 9760101.01
10. Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:
Internal migration is an inevitable phenomenon in many countries. Currently, whether the destination is urban or rural, income is the primary reason for their decision to stay. Female migrant workers are mainly aged between 20 and 39, and most are married. The research results show that:
From a social perspective, migrant workers in Hanoi are primarily young people who migrate in search of employment and higher incomes. They mainly work in simple, manual labor jobs that do not require much training or skill. Most of these jobs are found independently, with only a small percentage being referred by acquaintances, neighbors, or friends. With higher incomes and more job opportunities than in rural areas, these migrant workers aspire to settle down in Hanoi.
Regarding access to basic social assistance, the migrant workers in the study had poor housing conditions; high electricity and water costs; limited opportunities for self-education; and difficulties and higher costs for their children to attend public high schools compared to private schools. For emergency assistance, the migrant workers' access was limited, mainly depending on policy interpretation, implementation by officials, and the workers' connection with the local community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe crisis, affecting all aspects of people's lives, especially the migrant worker group. To cope with the impacts of the pandemic, the most popular measure chosen by migrant workers was cutting expenses (food, shopping, etc.) at 95.3%. The remaining measures were chosen by no more than 23%, with a small percentage choosing to return to their hometowns at 22.9%, followed by changing occupations at 18.8%, and moving to cheaper accommodation at 16.4%.
The barriers preventing migrant workers from accessing basic social assistance stem from multiple sources. These include the mindset of some officials who view migration as negative; a management system based on household registration; and insufficient attention paid to migrants. On the migrant worker side, the barriers include limited education, weak connections with local communities, and meager social capital.
The research results also highlight differences between informal and formal sector workers. Informal sector workers have lower living standards, poorer access to social assistance, face more risks, and are less able to cope with social issues such as COVID-19. The main reasons stem from the nature of their work and the social capital of these two groups. Therefore, intervention programs are needed for each group to suit their specific needs. The survey results also indicate that barriers to accessing social assistance also stem from the lack of support resources and social assistance services from a social work perspective.
Solutions to improve access to basic social assistance for migrant workers need to come from three sides: the government, migrant workers themselves, and social work centers and organizations such as local women's associations.
Based on the social assistance needs of ethnic minority workers, this study proposes a model for supporting ethnic minority workers with social work activities from social work centers, social workers, social workers, and staff implementing programs and projects of women's associations and NGOs, all coordinated by the city's social work center.
Model for assisting disadvantaged workers
Social workers, women's association officials, and stakeholders implemented the following activities:
Activity 1: Communicating and raising awareness among government agencies, businesses, organizations, and communities about migration, recognizing it as a positive social phenomenon.
Activity 2: Promote the government and stakeholders to develop resources and services accessible to migrant workers and their families: labor, employment, social housing, lodging, education, healthcare services, etc.
Activity 3: Advocating for the rights of ethnic minority workers in accessing housing, employment, vocational training, healthcare, education for their children, emergency assistance, etc.
Activity 4: Provide in-depth support services for mental health.
Activity 5: Organize group intervention activities to create links between migrant groups in general, and migrant workers in particular, and the host community.
Activity 6: Develop case management profiles for individuals and families of non-communicable workers with specific issues.
12. Future research directions: Continue to conduct more in-depth research on factors affecting the mental well-being of female migrant workers and their family members.
13. Publications related to the dissertation:
1. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Employment Status of Migrant Women in Hanoi, Vietnam”, International Journal of Advanced Research, ISSN: 23205407, pp. 321-327.
2. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Current Situation of Migrant Female Workers' Access to Education and Health Care in Hanoi”, American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, E-ISSN: 2378-702X, pp. 90-97.
3. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Barriers to accessing social assistance for female migrant workers in Hanoi”, International Scientific Conference Proceedings: Social security policy for migrant workers in Vietnam, Trade Union University, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, ISBN: 978-604-330-767-2, pp. 83-94.
4. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Access to emergency for migrant female workers in Hanoi during the COVID-19 pandemic”, International Scientific Conference Proceedings: Developing Social Work with Workers in Vietnam – Pioneering in social welfare and employment policies, Trade Union University, Vietnam General Confederation of labor assistance, ISBN: 978-604-946-719-6, pp.137-146.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DOCTOR THESIS
1. Doctoral candidate: Nguyen Thanh Cam 2. Gender: Female
3. Date of birth: August 11, 1975 4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Doctoral Student Recognition: Granted by Decision No. 1806/2018/QD-XHNV dated June 29, 2018, by the Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Modifications in the Training Process (if any):
- Decision on Renewal No. 1966/QD-XHNV dated July 26, 2022, issued by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
- Decision on Renewal No. 5344/QD-XHNV dated December 18, 2023, issued by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Thesis title: Solutions to support access to basic social assistance for female migrant workers (A Study conducted in Hanoi City)
8. Major: Social Work 9. Code: 9760101.01
10. Scientific supervisor: Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan
11. Summary of new findings in the Thesis:
Internal migration is a ubiquitous phenomenon across numerous countries. Recently, regardless of whether the destination is urban or rural, income is the predominant factor involving individuals' decision to migrate. The Workers demographic of the Female Migrant primarily comprises individuals aged 20-39, the majority of whom are married. Through research results show:
In terms of social demographics, the Female Migrant Workers primarily consist of young individuals seeking employment opportunities and enhanced income. At present, they are primarily engaged in simple, manual labor and occupations that do not require extensive training or skills. Most of these jobs are self-sought, with only a minor portion being introduced by acquaintances, neighbors, and friends. Given the higher income compared to rural areas and the abundance of opportunities, the Female Migrant Workers aspires to establish a stable life in Hanoi.
In accessing basic social assistance, the Female Migrant Workers suffer from poor housing conditions, high costs for utilities such as electricity and water, limited personal education. Their children have more difficulties in accessing Public High School and have to pay higher costs for private schools. The availability of unscheduled assistance is limited and depends largely on policy interpretation, implementation by officials, and the cohesion of the Female Migrant Workers with the locality.
The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a severe crisis, impacting all aspects of life, with the Female Migrant Workers being particularly affected. In response to the pandemic's impacts, the most prevalent measure adopted by the Female Migrant Workers is to reduce expenditure (on food, shopping, etc.), with 95.3% opting for this approach. Other measures were not chosen by more than 23% of them. A small portion, 22.9%, chose to return to their hometown, followed by 18.8% who chose to change jobs, and 16.4% who moved to more affordable accommodation.
Barriers that restrict the Female Migrant Workers' access to basic social assistance emanate from various sources. From some officials' perspective perceive migration negatively, and their management approach is based on household registration, often overlooking the needs of the migrants. From the perspective of the Female Migrant Workers, barriers arise from limited social skills, minimal connection with the locality, and poor social capital.
The research findings highlight the disparities between the Female Migrant Workers in the informal sector and those in the formal sector. The Female Migrant Workers in the informal sector experience a lower standard of living, have limited access to social assistance, are exposed to numerous risks, and are less equipped to handle social issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges mainly stem from the nature of their work and their social capital. Given these disparities, it is imperative to develop intervention programs tailored to the specific problems and needs of each group of laborers. In addition the barrier to accessing social assistance also comes from the lack of support resources and social assistance services from a social work perspective,
To enhance the effectiveness of accessing basic social assistance for the Female Migrant Workers, a tripartite approach is required, involving the Government, the Female Migrant Workers themselves, and social work centers and mass organizations, such as Women's Unions.
Given the basic social support needs of the Female Migrant Workers, the study proposes a model of support for these workers. This model centers around social work activities conducted by social work centers, social workers, and officials of local labor programs. It also includes programs and projects of women's unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), all coordinated through the Hanoi City Social Work Center.
The proposed role of social work includes the following activities:
Model of support for the Female Migrant Workers
Activity 1: Communicate and raise awareness among the Government, businesses, unions, and communities about migration, promoting the recognition of migration as a positive social phenomenon.
Activity 2: Advocate for the Government and relevant parties to develop resources and services for the Female Migrant Workers and their families, including labor, employment, social housing, appropriate boarding houses, education, health services, and more.
Activity 3: Advocate for the rights of the Female Migrant Workers to access housing, jobs, training, health care, education for children and emergency assistance.
Activity 4: Provide mental health support services.
Activity 5: Organize group intervention activities to foster connections between migrant groups in general, and the Female Migrant Workers in particular, and the host community.
Activity 6: Develop case management records for individuals and families of the Female Migrant Workers with specific problems.
12. Future Research Directions: The research will continue to delve deeper into the factors affecting the mental life of the Female Migrant Workers and their family members.
13. Related Published Works:
1. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Employment Status of Migrant Women in Hanoi, Vietnam”, International Journal of Advanced Research, ISSN: 23205407, pp. 321-327.
2. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Current Situation of Migrant Female Workers' Access to Education and Health Care in Hanoi”, American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, E-ISSN: 2378-702X, pp. 90-97.
3. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Barriers to accessing social assistance for female migrant workers in Hanoi”, International Scientific Conference Proceedings: Social security policy for migrant workers in Vietnam, Trade Union University, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, ISBN: 978-604-330-767-2, pp. 83-94.
4. Nguyen Thanh Cam, “Access to emergency assistance for migrant female workers in Hanoi during the COVID-19 pandemic”, International Scientific Conference Proceedings: Developing Social Work with Workers in Vietnam – Pioneering in social welfare and employment policies, Trade Union University, Vietnam General Confederation of labor, ISBN: 978-604-946-719-6, pp.137-146.
