"Mountain flowers" in the digital age

In the highland villages of Lao Cai, Mong women are gradually transforming their lives through the digital economy. From selling agricultural products online and applying technology to brocade production to developing community tourism through social media, they are proving that even in the most remote areas, opportunities still open up for those who know how to seize the moment.

From Shan Tuyet tea plants to online stores

Introducing products on Facebook, TikTok, or livestream has become a familiar task for Ms. Vang Thi Rua, from Giang B village, Van Chan commune. Previously, her family had to carry each basket of tea to the market, but now customers come directly to their home, even placing large orders through digital platforms.

To improve product quality, her family invested in a modern factory and processing line that meets food safety and hygiene standards. As a result, Suoi Giang Shan Tuyet tea has received OCOP 3-star certification, with a traceability label and geographical indication. Ms. Rua shared: “When TikTok, Facebook, and Zalo developed, I taught myself to apply them to my business. Thanks to digital transformation, I found a much larger and more stable market.”

Each year, her facility exports more than 9 tons of tea to the market, generating over 2 billion VND in revenue, contributing 20 million VND to the state budget annually, and creating jobs for 8 workers, each earning 5 million VND per month.

Mong brocade enters the 4.0 era.

Driven by a desire to preserve traditional culture while meeting market demands, Ms. Giang Thi My (from Van Chan commune) boldly introduced computer technology into her brocade weaving craft. Starting with just two embroidery machines in 2019, she now owns 10 sets of machines worth nearly 10 billion VND, sufficient for large-scale production. Ms. My recounted: “ I researched many types of machines online and found that computerized embroidery machines were the most suitable for developing brocade weaving. Therefore, I decided to open a workshop.”

Besides production, she also created Zalo and Fanpage accounts and guided other women in livestreaming sales. As a result, the brocade products are sold not only within the province but also exported abroad. The workshop has been operating stably for 6 years, generating nearly 2 billion VND in revenue per year and providing employment for 20 workers with an income of 4 million VND per month.

Ms. My provides training for people who want to sell products online.

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Luc, Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Chan commune, digital transformation is the "key" for Mong women to overcome geographical barriers and technical limitations: The commune, in coordination with the Women's Union and the Youth Union, organized classes to guide the people on e-commerce, livestreaming skills, and secure electronic payments.

Hmong women engage in tourism – from something they never dared to dream of to becoming pioneers.

Among the pioneers of digital tourism in Lao Cai, Ms. Vang Thi Ly (Pung Luong commune) stands out. She films and edits videos herself and posts them on social media to promote the beauty of her hometown. These simple yet authentic images have attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists.

Thanks to her English and French language skills, Ms. Ly easily communicates and introduces the Mong culture and beautiful scenery of her village. Ms. Ly shared: "I want to create jobs for women in the commune to change their mindset. Now, it's not just growing corn and rice that brings in income; there are still many other ways to develop the economy ."

Having started her tourism business in 2017, her family now owns a homestay system with 7 bungalows that have achieved OCOP 4-star rating. From the beginning of 2025 until now, she has welcomed over 900 guests, earning 300 million VND, while also creating jobs for the performing arts group and many villagers.

Inspiration spreads

Ms. Ly's model has inspired many women, including Ms. Hang Thi Song (La Pan Tan village). Having worked with Ms. Ly, Ms. Song decided to open a beverage shop to serve tourists. She happily said: "During my time working with Ms. Ly, I learned so much. I wanted to try my hand at a new field and I'm very happy that the beverage shop helps me earn extra income."

In Púng Luông commune, hundreds of economic models have proven effective thanks to innovative thinking and the bold application of technology. The commune currently has 10 cooperatives, 236 cooperative groups, and 17 businesses, including a 5-star hotel, generating hundreds of billions of VND in revenue annually, creating a foundation for sustainable poverty reduction.

Ms. Ho Thi De, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Pung Luong commune, said: "Previously, people were hesitant about technology, but now many women are confident in livestreaming to introduce homestays, experiential agricultural services, or OCOP products."

Ms. Hang Thi Song at the beverage shop.

Digital transformation – an opportunity for advancement for Hmong women.

In line with societal development trends, Lao Cai province continues to direct all levels and sectors to strengthen propaganda and support for women in applying Industry 4.0 technology to production, business, and services.

Ms. Ha Thi Doa, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union, emphasized: In the coming time, the Union will effectively implement programs, especially Project 8, to support women in digital transformation and develop collective economic models such as cooperatives and cooperative groups, helping to increase production value and product consumption.

Thousands of economic models implemented by the people of Lao Cai, many of which are run by Mong women, are creating a crucial resource for sustainable poverty reduction. Changes in mindset, flexibility in approach, and mastery of technology have enabled these "mountain flowers" to boldly start businesses, confidently integrate, and contribute to the development of their homeland during the country's rapid transformation.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hoa-nui-trong-ky-nguyen-so-post888357.html