Efforts to eliminate gender stereotypes

Mu Ca is a mountainous border commune with a border length of approximately 5.663 km, located nearly 200 km from the provincial center. The natural conditions are harsh, and transportation is difficult...

Women in Mu Ca commune actively participate alongside border guards in protecting the border and boundary markers.

Recognizing that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a foundation for sustainable development, the Women's Union of the commune has proactively and persistently implemented the Project "Implementing Gender Equality and Addressing Urgent Issues for Women and Children" (Project 8) under the National Target Program for Socio -Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas giai đoạn 2021-2030. In this project, communication is identified as a key solution to eradicate gender stereotypes at their root.

Content related to gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, women's and children's rights; regulations of the Law on Gender Equality, the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence, the Law on Marriage and Family, the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the period 2021-2030… are flexibly integrated into village meetings, branch meetings and community activities.

Ms. Lu Phi Nhu, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the commune and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of the commune, said: "In the past period, the Women's Union of the commune, in coordination with the People's Committee and other organizations, organized 16 propaganda sessions, attracting about 1,500 members and people to participate. With 100% of the members being ethnic minority women, whose lives are still facing many difficulties, we focus on direct propaganda, and the methods of propaganda have also been innovated, avoiding rigid and inflexible approaches, and instead focusing on being approachable, easy to understand, and suitable for ethnic minority people. At the same time, we are gradually applying information technology and social media to spread the message of gender equality."

A highlight of communication work in Mu Ca is the use of theatrical performances. Recently, the commune's Party committee and government, in coordination with the Provincial Women's Union, organized a conference to exchange experiences among community communication groups, combined with performances of creative short plays such as: "When the Village Head is a Woman," "The Wife's Hand," "The Dream of Carrying Literacy to the Fields," "Girls Are Just Like Boys," etc. These short plays convey messages about gender equality that are no longer dry and rigid through texts and slogans, but are told through everyday stories, with laughter mixed with tears, touching the emotions of the viewers.

"This approach makes it easier for people to understand, remember, and change. After each awareness session, many men have shared their thoughts and reconsidered the roles of their wives and daughters in the family," added Ms. Lu Phi Nhu.

Parents and students participated in the "Bính Ngọ Spring Fair" program in 2026 at Mù Cả Commune Kindergarten in a joyful and warm atmosphere.

Beyond just propaganda, the Women's Union of the commune also encourages its members to actively participate in cultural, artistic, and sports movements. To date, the entire commune maintains 8 performing arts teams at the branch level. The establishment and effective operation of community communication groups in the villages is also emphasized. Currently, the entire commune has 8 community communication groups with 62 members, mainly influential individuals who speak the local ethnic language and understand local customs and traditions. These individuals have been and continue to be the "extended arm" in bringing the Law on Gender Equality and the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the period 2021-2030 into practice.

Ms. Ly Xo Ly (a member of the community communication team in Xi Ne village) shared: "Through the awareness campaigns, I understand the meaning of gender equality better and volunteered to join the community communication team in the village. The team goes to each household to talk and share about women's rights, the harmful effects of child marriage, and domestic violence."

These persistent efforts have brought about positive changes. Currently, Mu Ca commune no longer has cases of child marriage; the ideology of valuing sons over daughters is gradually being pushed back, and women in Mu Ca confidently assert their position by actively participating in village and commune activities.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/no-luc-xoa-bo-dinh-kien-gioi-684128