Female intellectuals from ethnic minorities

The team of female intellectuals from ethnic minorities plays a crucial role in socio -economic development as well as in the fight against gender stereotypes. However, what must ethnic minority women do to be able to join this ranks? A reporter from PNVN newspaper had an interview with Ms. Vien Thi Mai Lan, Head of the People's Mobilization Committee of Quan Ba ​​district, Ha Giang province.

– It's clear that behind the success of ethnic minority women lies admirable and commendable effort. To achieve the success you have today, your path to pursuing knowledge and education must have involved many difficulties and challenges?

I myself am an ethnic minority woman, born and raised in Quan Ba ​​district, a mountainous border area in Ha Giang province – one of the poorest and most disadvantaged districts in the country, with limited economic conditions, infrastructure, and educational quality. This has been a major obstacle in my studies and pursuit of knowledge.

In addition, there are barriers to gender equality. For our ethnic minority people, the majority believe that girls don't need much education; they just need to be literate, then get married and have children. Similarly, the issue of "ethnic prejudice" has significantly impacted my integration and development in my pursuit of knowledge.

In 2014, I decided to pursue a master's degree. At that time, master's degrees were very rare in my area, and almost none of them were held by women. There were no courses in the province; if I wanted to study, I had to go all the way to Hanoi . My uncles told me, "Why would a girl pursue higher education? Taking care of the family is the priority." Some neighbors even mocked me, saying, "A girl wanting to go to university won't do you any good." I thought about it a lot and felt a little uncertain about my decision.

– To become an intellectual woman who actively contributes to society, how did you overcome those difficulties, remove the barriers, rise up, and achieve the success you have today?

Ms. Vien Thi Mai Lan, M.A., Head of the People's Mobilization Committee of Quan Ba ​​District, Ha Giang Province.

Throughout my studies and pursuit of my dreams and passions on the path of knowledge, I have encountered many difficulties, obstacles, and prejudices. However, with determination, a desire to improve myself and enhance my abilities, and a wish to contribute a small part to society, I have always strived and persuaded my family. After overcoming these difficulties and making these efforts, I feel more supported by my family. I currently have two daughters, but my husband and his family do not pressure me to have a son. I believe that a woman with knowledge can take control of her own life.

During my time studying at Hanoi Pedagogical University, it was quite difficult to integrate with my peers at first due to my feelings of inferiority and shyness as a member of an ethnic minority group from a mountainous, remote area facing many difficulties. However, I always thought: "The more difficult and challenging things are, the more I must strive and work harder. Women in the lowlands are so academically successful and capable; I must learn from them. If I learn a lot, women in my locality will strive to follow suit, and my children and grandchildren will follow suit. Then, people will have a better and fairer view of women." That's why I always tried my best and strived to improve.

– Could you share more of your personal experiences or offer some words of encouragement to young ethnic minority women who want to pursue their dreams and passions on their path to intellectual development?

I greatly admire the female intellectuals from ethnic minority groups who have risen to high positions and made positive contributions to their homeland, country, and ethnic minority communities, such as Ms. Ha Thi Khiet, Ms. Tong Thi Phong, etc. They are shining examples to learn from and emulate.

I also always appreciate the sayings: "We don't get to choose where we are born, but we do get to decide how we live" and "Knowledge is power." In life, ethnic minority women will face many difficulties and obstacles such as gender stereotypes, ethnic stereotypes, and outdated customs and traditions that still exist.

However, today society has a fairer and more open view towards women in general and ethnic minority women in particular. The Party and the State have implemented many mechanisms and policies to support and create conditions for the comprehensive development of women.

Therefore, I believe that if each of our ethnic minority women has dreams and aspirations, dares to stand up and fight for equality, eliminates prejudices, and always strives and works hard, they will achieve success!

Thank you very much!

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nu-tri-thuc-dan-toc-thieu-so-manh-me-de-pha-vo-rao-can-20241130183505577.htm