Towards Caring Cities: A Geospatial Analysis in Viet Nam

As part of UN Women’s “TransformCare Investment Initiative” in the Asia and Pacific region, this project aims to promote evidence-informed decision-making for equitable care systems as a foundation for inclusive urban development. UN Women leads the initiative, with Data-Pop Alliance providing analytical and research support. Focusing on Viet Nam, the project assesses the demand and supply of care services through a gender-inclusive lens, with particular attention to how care systems shape women’s economic participation and overall well-being.

Using geospatial analysis, satellite imagery, and administrative data, the research maps care infrastructure, including childcare, eldercare, and services for persons with disabilities, while identifying spatial inequalities, service gaps, and areas of unmet need. The analysis also examines how urban form, land use, and climate risks intersect with access to care. By generating actionable, data-driven insights, the project supports gender-responsive urban planning and investment in accessible, affordable, and quality care systems, contributing to more inclusive and resilient cities in Vietnam.