Caring for members through practical livelihood models.

In My Phuoc Tay ward (Dong Thap province), the skillful hands of the women's association members are not only creating environmentally friendly handbags or durable durian baskets, but are also weaving stories of resilience and perseverance in life.

PRACTICAL LIVELIHOOD MODELS

One Monday morning, in a house in My Loi neighborhood, the rhythmic sound of sewing machines mingled with the lively chatter of the women. Some were cutting fabric, others attaching straps, and still others checking the stitching… everyone was focused on their assigned task.

The "Handbag Sewing Group" model has helped many women confidently rise up and develop their family's economy .

Over 20 years ago, this place was just a small group of women who took on sewing handbags to earn extra income during their free time between farming seasons. Having overcome many difficulties, the handbag sewing group led by Ms. Nguyen Kim Thanh has maintained stable operations and is attracting more and more women to join.

Ms. Nguyen Kim Thanh shared that in the early days of its establishment, the group faced many obstacles. Lack of capital, lack of experience, and uncertain product outlets meant that the women had to learn the trade while working.

Besides creating jobs, the handbag sewing group has also contributed to changing the perceptions of many local women.

From feelings of shyness and inferiority, many women have become more confident when participating in Women's Union activities and actively contributing to local movements.

There were times when it seemed impossible to continue operating, but thanks to the support from the local Women's Union in connecting them with loan sources and finding markets for their products, the sewing group gradually overcame difficulties.

"Most importantly, the women have stable jobs. Initially, the income wasn't high, but everyone tried to learn the trade and improve their skills to retain customers. To date, the group has 30 women participating regularly," Ms. Thanh said.

What is commendable is that the majority of the group members are housewives, unemployed women, or those in difficult circumstances. Some previously spent their lives working in the fields, while others had to work as seasonal laborers with unstable incomes.

When joining the sewing group, they receive technical guidance from the simplest steps. From hands that were unfamiliar with scissors and needles, many women have now mastered the techniques of assembling bags, sewing edges, and creating product patterns. Each day's work earns them between 150,000 and 200,000 VND, helping many families alleviate their financial burdens.

Ms. Tran Thi Lanh (born in 1972, a long-time member of the group) said: “Previously, I was just busy with housework, and my income was unstable. Since joining the group, I have been guided in proper bag-assembling techniques. Now, I have a stable income each month, which allows me to provide for my family and feel more confident and active in participating in the group's activities.”

Currently, the group's products are not limited to garment manufacturing, but also include environmentally friendly, reusable handbags. This is also a way for female members to contribute to environmental protection and reduce the use of plastic bags in their daily lives.

Each month, the group's revenue ranges from 30 to 50 million VND. While this figure may not be large, it is enough to maintain employment for dozens of local women. More importantly, this model has helped many families gradually stabilize their finances, support their children's education, and escape poverty.

Not unlike the bustling atmosphere of the sewing group, the durian basket weaving group in My Luan neighborhood is also always filled with laughter. Bundles of plastic rope and baskets of various sizes are neatly arranged in front of the houses. Under the shade of the trees, the women chat while nimbly weaving each basket stitch.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van (born in 1963, the person who spearheaded the establishment of the group) said that the model originated from the practical needs of local farmers. As the area planted with durian trees expanded, the demand for baskets to facilitate harvesting and transporting durians increased. Recognizing this as an opportunity to create jobs for unemployed women, she took the initiative to gather other women to work together.

According to Ms. Van, the biggest advantage of basket weaving is that it doesn't require a large investment, and the work is flexible in terms of time. Women can receive materials to take home and weave baskets in their free time to earn extra income. "Each diligent worker can earn several hundred thousand dong a day, enough to cover family expenses," Ms. Van shared.

Currently, the group has about 15 regular members. Thanks to their hard work and skillful hands, the products they make are quite sturdy and have many long-term customers. The average income for each person is 300,000 - 350,000 VND per day.

Ms. Tran Thi My Duyen (born in 1985, a member of the group) shared: “The most valuable thing is not only having extra income, but also the feeling of joy when working together. Meeting and chatting every day has made us very close, and we share whatever difficulties anyone faces.”

WHEN THE ASSOCIATION BECOMES A SUPPORT SYSTEM

Behind those simple baskets lie countless hopes for a more stable life. Some families have been able to renovate their old houses thanks to the income from basket weaving, while others have saved money for their children's continued education.

The work of weaving durian baskets not only provides income but also creates a sense of community.
Sharing among female members.

Based on the practical effectiveness of these livelihood models, the role of the Women's Union in caring for the lives of its members is becoming increasingly prominent.

Beyond simply encouraging women to participate in economic models, the Association also provides support in many areas, such as: assisting in accessing preferential loan sources, organizing technical training, connecting products with markets, and motivating members to overcome difficulties.

In the durian basket weaving group, those who know the craft teach newcomers, and those who work quickly assist those who work slowly.

From being mere acquaintances, many of the women now consider each other like family.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Mai, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of My Phuoc Tay Ward, said: "Collective economic models make a practical contribution to poverty reduction and job creation for women in the locality."

"Our goal is not just to generate income, but also to provide women with a living and learning environment, and to enhance their status within the family and society. When women have stable jobs and improved family finances, their lives become more sustainable."

Thanks to easy-to-participate and practical models, many women in My Phuoc Tay have found opportunities to change their lives through their own labor.

Those seemingly simple needlework and weaving are contributing to building more fulfilling homes. In these places, the spirit of mutual support and sharing among women quietly spreads every day. Together they overcome difficulties, keep the family flame alive, and contribute to building a more civilized and prosperous homeland.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the livelihood models of women in My Phuoc Tay not only have economic significance but also serve as a testament to the strength of community solidarity.

Given the opportunity and support from the Women's Union, these women can rise up to take control of their lives, continuing to write beautiful stories of resilience, responsibility, and aspiration for advancement in their own homeland.

SONG AN

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/cham-lo-hoi-vien-tu-nhung-mo-hinh-sinh-ke-thiet-thuc-a240869.html