GreenHub: Championing a greener, more inclusive Vietnam
By: Phuong Nguyen, GESI and research specialist, USAID Reducing Pollution
The Centre for Supporting Green Development (GreenHub) is a Vietnamese nonprofit organization established in 2016 under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Led by experienced women environmental leaders, GreenHub envisions a Vietnam that is both greener and more inclusive.
Since its inception, GreenHub – a key partner of the USAID Reducing Pollution project implemented by Winrock – has placed gender inclusion and social equality at the heart of its mission. The organization empowers women and marginalized groups to play active roles in sustainable development and waste management, believing that meaningful progress requires amplifying all voices.
When GreenHub began promoting a smartphone application to connect buyers and sellers of recyclable household waste, they uncovered an unexpected challenge: many informal waste collectors, primarily women, many of whom are older, faced barriers such as limited access to smartphones and the threat of income loss from increased competition. Instead of sidelining these workers, GreenHub committed to targeted research and innovative solutions to protect their livelihoods while ensuring no one was left behind.
Overcoming early challenges in GESI integration
Before formally adopting gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) principles, GreenHub faced hurdles in embedding these ideals across its programs. Policies and procedures lacked the nuance needed for full inclusivity, and team members had not fully cultivated awareness and analytical capacity around GESI. These gaps made it difficult for leaders to integrate GESI into the organization’s initiatives.
In response, GreenHub developed a comprehensive GESI strategy in collaboration with the Reducing Pollution project, and other local organizations. This effort coincided with the launch of GreenHub’s flagship initiative, “Pioneering Company, Community, and Consumer Responsibility in Plastic Reduction in Vietnam,” also known as P3CR. Recognizing GESI as a foundational element for success, GreenHub committed to strengthening its internal capacity and embedding GESI into its operations.
Transforming organizational culture
GreenHub has made significant strides in embedding GESI within its organizational policies. These include:
- Adding a dedicated GESI chapter to the Organizational Culture Handbook.
- Including child protection clauses in partner contracts.
- Revamping communications, including both language and imagery, to reflect greater sensitivity to diversity.
This transformation has shifted GESI from being an externally imposed requirement to a deeply held organizational value. Nguyen Thi Thanh Van, deputy director of GreenHub, emphasized this shift:
“Previously, we incorporated GESI merely to satisfy donor requirements. Now, we deeply understand GESI and apply it in designing and implementing all our projects and programs.”
Embedding inclusivity in waste management solutions
GreenHub’s leadership recognized that GESI is not an optional add-on but a core driver of meaningful change. For example, GreenHub’s field surveys in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City revealed that informal waste collectors, particularly women, were disproportionately exposed to occupational hazards like poor working conditions and lack of safety equipment. In response, GreenHub acted by distributing 206 sets of personal protective equipment, including clothing, boots and gloves.
Expanding GESI impact through targeted projects
GreenHub’s commitment to GESI has attracted significant donor support, resulting in the approval of two new projects in Lao Cai and Son La provinces. These initiatives, funded by the Australian government’s GREAT program, focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and addressing the root causes of gender inequality in these regions.
In one case, GreenHub engaged husbands of women in ethnic minority groups in capacity-building activities. This approach fostered shared decision-making and promoted women’s roles in business and community leadership. By addressing systemic challenges, GreenHub continues to create innovative solutions that empower disadvantaged groups.
Inclusive leadership
Through extensive GESI training, GreenHub’s staff has developed the skills to integrate inclusivity into all aspects of their work. The organization now ensures that every project reflects gender sensitivity in language, imagery and outcomes.
For example, GreenHub replaced symbolic gestures, such as gifting flowers on International Women’s Day, with impactful practices like hosting GESI-focused discussions. As Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Thu Trang noted: “Winrock’s support in GESI has strengthened our internal capacity, fostered equality in our activities, and helped us create a community where everyone has a voice.”
Pioneering GESI in plastic waste reduction
Moving forward, GreenHub is dedicated to becoming a leading organization in integrating GESI into plastic waste reduction efforts. This promise will cover not just the projects but also the administration of subcontractors, procurement procedures and consulting agreements. To integrate GESI in each initiative’s activities more organically and successfully, the organization will also improve training and create comprehensive GESI integration guidelines for new hires.
With perseverance, determination, and strategic vision, GreenHub is steadily affirming its leading role in environmental protection profoundly and sustainably advancing social inclusion and gender equality.
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