Social Inclusion Vietnam Program

The overall aim of the study is to contribute to greater social inclusion of rural-urban migrants in Vietnam through enhanced understanding of the needs of diverse groups of migrants, particularly women, and more effective policy responses by state and non-stage agencies. During the study period, a series of scientific exchanges and fieldwork took place, as well as project’s results reported at international conferences.

1. UCC’s researchers in Vietnam
In 2019 only, Dr Edward Lahiff went to Vietnam three times to work with his colleagues at USSH. During this time, meetings were held with key informants in a range of social organisations. The team also worked on drafting the questionnaire to be used for interviews with migrant workers. Pilot interviews were held with migrants working in sectors such as rubbish collection, street vending, domestic work and construction. Further discussions were held with our CSO partners to explore how we could collaborate most effectively.
2. USSH’s researchers in Ireland
From August 28 to September 3, 2022, the USSH’s researchers, together with the UCC’s ones, visisted two Irish cities, Dublin and Cork. Two seminars were held for the team members to present preliminary research results and discussed future collaboration opportunities. There were four presentations at the seminars, namely: The Reform of the Household Registration System in Vietnam presented by Dr Vũ Thị Anh Thư, Dr Edward Lahiff and Dr Nick Chisholm; Socio-economic conditions of migrants in Hanoi: Results of the SIVN Survey presented by Assoc Prof. Dr Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, Dr Edward Lahiff and Mr Nguyễn Trọng Chính; The Role of Social Organisations Policy Reform presented by Dr Edward Lahiff and Dr Nguyễn Thị Thùy Trang; and ‘We make a better life’: Tracing agency among migrant domestic workers in Hanoi presented by Dr Nita Mishra, Dr Edward Lahiff and Dr Vũ Thị Anh Thư. The team members, along with experts, policy makers and other guests reviewed and discussed research results as well as shared theories and practical experiences.
3. Researchers joined international conferences 
From 22 – 23 July, 2022, a conference on "Socio-economic inclusion of rural migrants in Hanoi" coorganzied by the two universities took place. At the conference, the research team presented preliminary research results.
“The urban to rural migration is a global phenomenon, particularly relevant to Vietnam. I think that this (project) represents another fantastic example of collaboration between Ireland and Vietnam”, said Mr Conor Fin, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam. Assoc Prof Dr Đào Thanh Trường, Vice Rector of the USSH also said that he highly appreciated the enthusiasm and efforts of the research team to make a high quality research report.  
Besides, despite the difficulties brought about by Covid-19, the team members also joined some international e-conferences such as EADI ISS Conference 2021 (hosted by The European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes), DSA2022 (hosted by the University College London), etc.