"In the past, the issue of early marriage here was very difficult to change. Many families still maintained their customs, and children were rushed into marriage before they were old enough," said Ms. Pham Thi Thuy, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Van Canh District. But since Project 8 was launched, propaganda sessions, student clubs, community media teams, etc. have contributed to raising awareness and creating a clear change.
In 2021, Van Canh recorded 14 cases of child marriage, by 2023 the number increased to 22 cases. However, in the first 6 months of 2024, the number of child marriage cases decreased to 10 cases - a welcome sign after many years of persistent campaigning.
Dialogue program "Listen to your child speak" of the Leader of Change Club - Van Canh Town Secondary School
Project 8 in Van Canh district was implemented with a capital of billions of VND, focusing on building a network of 35 community communication teams, 3 clubs of leaders to change awareness and 3 trusted community addresses - "gatekeepers" to protect the rights of women and children. Thereby, messages about gender equality, the serious consequences of child marriage and domestic violence are widely spread to each village.
In secondary schools, 3 "Leaders of Change" clubs with 90 members have become "little ambassadors" to inspire and impart knowledge on preventing child marriage to their peers. Extracurricular activities, cultural exchanges, and skits on children's rights and gender equality not only change the way of thinking but also stimulate the spirit of learning and raise community awareness.
In particular, the role of village elders, village chiefs and prestigious people in the community has been maximized. They are an important bridge, mobilizing people to eliminate backward customs, and at the same time reconciling family conflicts - an indirect cause of early marriage and violence.
In addition, the "Trusted Address" model was established in Canh Lien, Canh Hiep and Canh Thuan communes with 62 volunteer members - of which 22 are women - helping victims of domestic violence and abuse have a solid support to protect themselves.
Van Canh District Women's Union focuses on propaganda activities on early marriage and incestuous marriage for ethnic minority women members.
However, the journey of change is still arduous. There are still some families that still follow the old ways. In addition, the development of economic models for women is limited due to fragmented, small-scale production, and the lack of livelihood groups that apply technology - an important link to help women become financially independent and reduce the pressure of early marriage.
Recognizing these difficulties, the Women's Union of Van Canh district has proposed adjusting targets, focusing on maintaining and expanding effective communication models; at the same time, coordinating with theeducation sector to expand clubs, bringing gender equality content into extracurricular activities, helping the younger generation better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Implemented from 2021 to present, Project 8 has not only imparted knowledge but also ignited the flame of change in every family and every village in Van Canh. The above positive changes are clear evidence of the power of consensus, coordination and relentless perseverance in the work of protecting women and children in ethnic minority areas.
Van Canh today is gradually stepping out of the darkness of backward customs, moving closer to a future of equality and sustainable development - where every child has the right to live, study and grow up at the right age, and where women are respected and their roles are promoted.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/hanh-trinh-giam-tao-hon-nang-cao-vi-the-phu-nu-va-tre-em-dan-toc-thieu-so-o-van-canh-20250524200706545.htm
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