Leading with purpose: Hanh champions women’s voice in Viet Nam’s manufacturing future

HA NOI (ILO News) - According to ILO report on “Gender diagnostics in support of transforming employment frameworks in Viet Nam", social norms and care responsibilities disproportionately impact women’s ability to access leadership positions, especially in high-growth and technical industries where men still dominate.

Against this backdrop, Nguyen Thi Hanh, Managing Director of ANCL TECHCO, a precision manufacturing company in Bac Ninh, is helping to change perceptions of what women’s leadership can look like in manufacturing.

Hanh’s career began far from the factory floor. For over 15 years, she worked at a national institute, researching industrial strategies and policies for Viet Nam’s manufacturing development. The experience gave her deep insight into the sector but also showed her the gap between research and practice. Inspired by the perseverance of small and medium-sized enterprises, she decided to move from the policy environment into enterprise management.

Hanh first joined her company as Chief of Office, responsible for administration, business, finance and human resources. She had no prior experience in business operations but a strong belief in learning and leading with integrity. Over time, she earned trust across teams and gradually took on the company’s role as Managing Director.

Manufacturing, particularly in precision engineering and machinery, remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in Viet Nam. For Hanh, this reality was never a deterrent but a motivation.

“I wanted to show that women, too, can lead with strength and vision.” she says.

Her leadership philosophy is built on four core values: integrity, quality, respect, and innovation. She believes that transparency and accountability form the foundation of trust, while quality and respect for people drive long-term success. “When every individual feels valued, the whole organization moves forward,” she affirms.

Creating a workplace where women can thrive

Since Hanh took the lead, women’s employment at her company has risen from 17% to 32%. She believes that gender diversity brings tangible benefits to productivity and workplace culture.

Under Hanh’s leadership, a range of gender-responsive policies in line with the Labour Code of Viet Nam have been actively implemented, including the “pink break” allowing women to take short rests during their menstrual cycle, flexible working hours and early leave for mothers with young children.

“Having worked closely with factory teams, I understand how demanding the work can be. Many workers shared that those 30-minute breaks made them feel respected and valued,” she says. “When small changes come from genuine care, they can reshape an entire company culture.”

Partnering for decent work and sustainable growth

ANCL TECHNO is an active member of the Viet Nam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI). In 2024, the company was among the member of VASI received support from the ILO Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work programme through the cooperation with VASI. It achieved significant improvements in productivity and quality across major production lines.

“ILO’s approach, balancing economic results with improvement of workers’ well-being, aligns perfectly with our philosophy. Through the programme, we learned to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and raise productivity, while strengthening dialogue and equality in the workplace,” Hanh says.

© ILO/Linh Pham

© ILO/Linh Pham

For Hanh, the programme reaffirmed that worker engagement is vital to business success. When everyone participates in the improvement process and has equal opportunities to contribute and benefit, companies become stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.

Looking toward the future, Hanh believes that women will play an increasingly important role in Viet Nam’s high-tech transformation. “As we move into the era of innovation and sustainable growth, qualities such a empathy, adaptability, and the ability to build strong connection will become even more valuable. Ensuring equal opportunities for women and men to develop and apply these skills is essential,” she says.

To women considering a career in manufacturing or technology, “keep believing in yourself, dare to dream and take your own steps forward because you are the ones who inspire the generations to come” she adds.