These women maintain peace at the grassroots level.

These women are the "heroes" in the forces participating in protecting security and order at the grassroots level, silently contributing to maintaining the peaceful rhythm of life in Hanoi's streets. With their gentleness, subtlety, and responsibility, they become a special bridge between the functional forces and the people, contributing to building a people's security network.

Pham Thi Hai (far left), head of the security and order protection team of Khuong Dinh ward, and police officers inspect fire prevention and fighting work in the area. Photo: Nhung Hong

"A soft anchor" in the hearts of the people.

In the forces involved in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level, female members consistently leave their mark through their approachability, perseverance, and skillful mobilization of the community. Many serve as women's cadres, neighborhood group leaders, and participate in security and order protection teams, becoming a link between the local government, police, and the people.

As the city lights come on, Ms. Pham Thi Hai, head of the security and order protection team in Khuong Dinh ward, begins her patrol shift. At over 50 years old, she still regularly patrols hotspots related to urban order, fire prevention and control, and densely populated residential areas with many tenants.

Having been involved in neighborhood work for many years, having served as deputy head of the neighborhood watch and then joined the local security and order protection force since its official launch on July 1, 2024, Ms. Pham Thi Hai understands every alley, every lodging area, and every household in her assigned area. For her, maintaining security is not just about handling incidents, but more importantly, about prevention from an early stage and from afar.

The Khương Đình ward has many mini-apartment buildings, rental housing, and small businesses, so the risk of fire and security breaches is always present. Therefore, in addition to coordinating inspections with the police force, Ms. Hai regularly visits each household to disseminate information on fire prevention and control, instructing residents on equipping themselves with fire extinguishers, opening emergency exits, and checking electrical equipment before going to bed. Many practical models have been established, such as: public fire fighting points, neighborhood fire safety groups, and security cameras in residential areas… These models not only support the authorities but also enhance the self-prevention and self-management awareness of the people.

What is admirable about the female members participating in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level is their flexibility in approach. In cases where men are difficult to persuade, through their approachability and empathy, these women manage to gain the people's consent.

In Vinh Hung ward, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Thuc, head of residential group 45, is also an active figure in the local security and order protection force. Despite her age, she enthusiastically participates in night shifts, conducts fire prevention and control awareness campaigns, and encourages residents not to encroach on roads and sidewalks. Thanks to her understanding of the area and close relationship with the people, Ms. Thuc and the members of her group have effectively played the role of an "extended arm" of the local police force. Beyond inspection and supervision duties, they are also persistent communicators, working alongside the people to build a civilized lifestyle, uphold the law, and maintain security from the grassroots level.

In cases involving unruly teenagers and fights, the gentle approach of the female members proved remarkably effective. They not only coordinated efforts to prevent the incidents but also patiently encouraged and persuaded the offenders to change their ways.

"Some of these young people, after being encouraged and advised, have gradually settled down, returned to normal work, and no longer gather to fight. Sometimes, sincere words carry more weight than rigid measures," Ms. Thuc shared.

"The extended arm" of the local police force.

In Dai Xuyen commune, the work of female members participating in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level has its own unique characteristics. Ms. Hoang Thi Anh, a commune health worker and also a member of the security and order team in Hoa Thuong village, said that her work almost has no fixed schedule. Many nights, while she is sleeping, as soon as she receives a report of an incident, she immediately sets off. She vividly remembers a family conflict that occurred late at night. The husband, due to life pressures and alcohol, had committed acts of violence against his wife. Immediately after receiving the report, the local security and order forces and other organizations quickly arrived to intervene and stabilize the situation. "It was almost midnight, but if we hadn't arrived in time, the consequences could have been very serious," Ms. Hoang Thi Anh recounted.

According to Ms. Hoang Thi Anh, women working in grassroots security may face difficulties when dealing with complex cases, but they have an advantage in advocacy, mediation, and legal education.

In addition to participating in maintaining security and order, female members actively support digital transformation at the grassroots level, such as guiding people to install the electronic identity verification application (VNeID), integrating documents, and performing online public services. For many elderly people or self-employed workers in rural areas, this support helps them access public services more easily.

The forces participating in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level are grassroots forces deployed in villages and residential areas, serving as the core support for commune-level police in ensuring security and order and building the nationwide movement for protecting national security. After nearly two years of implementation in Hanoi , this force has gradually affirmed its important role in supporting grassroots police in maintaining stability in the area and resolving incidents at the local level. In particular, the participation of women has contributed to creating a unique character in the work of ensuring security and order in residential communities.

Major Le Duc Manh, Head of the Police Team of Dai Xuyen Commune Police, assessed that female members have a great advantage in their gentleness and tact in communication, helping to make the work of persuasion and mediation more effective.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nhung-bong-hong-giu-binh-yen-tu-co-so-971965.html