Dong Thap: Spreading the movement to support women in economic development

(DTO) In the process of innovation and integration, women are not only the “fire keepers” in the family but also the pioneers on the front of economic development, poverty reduction and sustainable community building. In the new Dong Thap province – where the strength of two traditionally rich lands of Tien Giang and the old Dong Thap converges – the movement to support women in economic development has been spreading strongly, bringing impressive results and inspiring stories.

With the strong direction of the Women's Union at all levels, a series of programs and projects have been implemented synchronously: from Project 939 "Supporting women to start a business", to mobilizing group savings, linking production and product consumption. Tens of thousands of women have had access to preferential capital from the Social Policy Bank, the Women's Economic Development Support Fund, or socialized capital sources. Not only stopping at financial support, the Union also organizes training on capital management skills, business start-up knowledge, and especially market economic thinking for women - a key factor to turn capital into sustainable income.

Ms. Le Thi Bich Phuong next to the pineapple nursery.

Ms. Le Thi Bich Phuong, a member of Tan Hoa Dong Cooperative (Tan Phuoc 1 Commune) has transformed the traditional pineapple growing area into a model of "growing clean pineapples and raising clean seeds" according to VietGAP standards. Not only focusing on quality, she also boldly applied organic fertilizers, protected the environment and expanded the consumption market. In 2024, her model won first prize at the district level and second prize at the provincial level in the "Business Startup Ideas" contest launched by the Women's Union. This success helped her have a stable source of income, create jobs for local workers and spread the clean production movement to many other women.

Ms. Bui Kim Nhanh (Cao Lanh Ward) started her business from her passion for traditional cakes with the brand name "Banh ú bep nha Khang". Starting from a small kitchen, she gradually improved the recipe, design and found distribution channels, bringing the product to many provinces and cities. Currently, she sells about 800 cakes per month, creating a stable income of 5-6 million VND and creating jobs for a number of local women. In 2024, she was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for her outstanding achievements in the movement "Women overcoming difficulties to start a business".

Ms. Bui Kim Nhanh introduces the brand "Khang's kitchen sticky rice cake".

In addition, many typical individuals and models of women in charge of the economy in Dong Thap have proven their effectiveness: Traditional cake making group in Cao Lanh ward, Rice flour production group in Sa Dec, Lotus growing cooperative group combined with eco-tourism in Thap Muoi commune, OCOP production association group from green-skin pomelo in Lai Vung, or Vegetable cooperative group in Cho Gao... These models not only create jobs and increase income, but also contribute to preserving traditional occupations and developing typical products of the river region.

The success stories of Ms. Phuong, Ms. Nhanh and other collective models managed by women are vivid proof of the effectiveness of policies to support women in economic development. When women are in charge of their own economy, they become more confident in making production and business decisions, actively participate in community activities and boldly contribute ideas in building local governments.

From 2020 to present, the Women's Union at all levels of Dong Thap province has supported more than 81,000 women to access capital, vocational training and management skills, thereby helping over 33,000 poor women improve their lives. At the same time, it has supported 1,055 women to start businesses, raised awareness about employment and entrepreneurship for 294,240 members and women, and established 171 cooperatives and cooperatives led by women to promote production linkage, consumption of OCOP products and collective economic development. In addition, in the past 5 years, the Women's Union has coordinated to build 657 charity houses, repaired 174 houses, awarded more than 10,100 scholarships and 12,300 gifts to members, women and poor children, contributing to spreading the spirit of mutual support and improving community life.

With the foundation that has been built, Dong Thap is continuing to expand climate change adaptation livelihood models, develop OCOP products and promote market connections through e-commerce. Each supporting capital is not only a financial investment, but also an investment in the knowledge, trust and courage of women - those who are silently writing the development story of their homeland, where traditional colors blend with modern breath, making the Land of Pink Lotus famous.

BICH THUY - P. MAI

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/kinh-te/202508/dong-thap-lan-toa-phong-trao-ho-tro-phu-nu-phat-trien-kinh-te-1048196/