Supporting women in developing OCOP products.

The "Supporting Women in Creative Entrepreneurship" initiative, under Project 939, has been effectively implemented by the Women's Union at all levels in Tra Vinh province. In addition to developing the rural economy and increasing value, women in Tra Vinh have also affirmed their position and role in building OCOP (One Commune One Product) products.

Officials from the Chau Thanh District Women's Union and Nguyet Hoa Commune at the Bao Minh rice paper production facility.

The strong impact of Project 939, along with many programs and projects promoting entrepreneurship among rural women in Tra Vinh, has sparked creativity among women entrepreneurs. Many women have boldly stepped out of their comfort zones to invest in production and business, turning challenges into opportunities and asserting their position in their families and society.

In Ben Co hamlet, Nguyet Hoa commune, Chau Thanh district, the belief is that starting a business is a way to both increase income through one's own labor and creativity, and create jobs for the community through researching and producing traditional rice paper, a readily available ingredient in their hometown. Ms. Le Thi Hanh, from Nguyet Hoa commune, Chau Thanh district, said: "Our facility produces this product called spring roll rice paper; it's a traditional craft, and we make 20,000 pieces a day. When we joined the entrepreneurship movement, the women took me to training courses and trade fairs. Our goal is to ensure our product is clean and follows the correct procedures we learned in training; it has to be completely clean so that it can be stored for a long time."

Making delicious, high-quality rice paper requires many steps, and the ingredients must be carefully selected. After being made, the rice paper is sun-dried in a clean, airy space, ensuring hygiene. On average, Ms. Le Thi Hanh's Bao Minh facility produces more than 20,000 rice paper sheets per day, supplying the entire Tra Vinh province and some neighboring provinces such as Vinh Long , Ben Tre, and Soc Trang. Not only does it provide a decent income for her family, but Ms. Hanh's rice paper production facility also creates jobs for 7 seasonal workers in the local area.

In 2022, with the support of the local government and the Women's Union of Chau Thanh district, Ms. Le Thi Hanh's rice paper production facility was granted a food safety certificate, developed its own brand, and achieved OCOP 3-star standard under the name "Bao Minh Rice Paper". This opened up many new development opportunities, helped build a distinctive brand for Chau Thanh district, and allowed her to reach a wider customer base.

Ms. Hanh added: "Since achieving OCOP certification in 2022, we've been able to produce a lot more products. Before that, we only produced a small amount. After joining OCOP and achieving clean product certification, we've been able to produce more. Now, if we want to produce even more, we need to develop and have stronger capital. Thanks to the Women's Union and the local authorities, I have been able to access the necessary capital for development."

With a determination to preserve traditional crafts, develop OCOP products, and strive for legitimate wealth, Ms. Le Thi Hanh is one of the exemplary figures in successful entrepreneurship ; contributing to spreading and inspiring the entrepreneurial aspirations among members and women.

Comrade Dinh Duy Thien, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nguyet Hoa commune, Chau Thanh district, said: "Thanks to the attention of the Chau Thanh District Women's Union, the women's entrepreneurship movement in Nguyet Hoa commune has made many positive strides, focusing on developing OCOP products. Through this, together with the commune's Party Committee, we have successfully built an advanced new rural commune and contributed to poverty eradication in the locality. In the coming time, the Party Committee will continue to pay attention to, lead, and direct the Women's Union and other mass organizations to create favorable conditions for members to participate in developing family economies."

Ms. Ngo Thi Kieu Diem, Chairwoman of the Chau Thanh District Women's Union, stated that supporting women's entrepreneurship and business startups has always been a priority for all levels of the Union, aiming to help women develop economically and assert themselves within their families and society. In particular, implementing the "Support for Women's Entrepreneurship Project giai đoạn 2017 – 2025," the Union has organized and participated in training 169 women on food safety knowledge and skills, enhancing their entrepreneurial and business startup capabilities.

Against the backdrop of changing economic structures and the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Government's Project 939 demonstrates the commitment and effective solutions in enhancing women's economic empowerment. In 2024, women's associations at all levels mobilized over 91 billion VND to support women in starting businesses and entrepreneurship, and developing OCOP products.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quynh Thien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Vinh province: The OCOP product development program is of great importance, creating high-quality products with the province's brand to bring to the market, contributing to socio-economic development. OCOP products ensure food safety and hygiene standards, making them reliable for market entry, so support from relevant departments and agencies in connecting OCOP products with the market is essential. The Women's Union has made many efforts in supporting the development of OCOP products and connecting the province's distinctive products to the market, contributing to the development of rural industrial products and aiming for export.

To help women realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, in the coming period, the Women's Union at all levels will continue to promote the implementation of Project 939, mobilizing various resources to support women's development. The Union will continue to encourage members and business households owned by women to participate in new-style cooperatives, build startup models adapted to climate change, and participate in e-commerce platforms to develop sustainably within the startup ecosystem.

Nguyet Han

 

Source: https://travinh.gov.vn/chuong-trinh-moi-xa-mot-san-pham/ho-tro-phu-nu-phat-trien-san-pham-ocop-734610